This is a press release courtesy of the Keizer Fire District

The Keizer Fire District responded to the report of a house fire at 1973 Petty Grove Ct NE with a report of the garage on fire on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007.

First arriving firefighters reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the attached garage with fire spreading into the living area of the house. Keizer Fire sent 2-Engines, 2-Fire Investigators, 1-Rescue Unit, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Medic Unit and 1-Duty Officer and Marion County Fire District #1 provided mutual aid with 2-Engines and 1-Medic Unit for a total of 26 fire personnel on-scene. One MCFD #1 Firefighter/Medic was treated at Salem Hospital for a leg injury.

Fire crews were on scene in 5 minutes and the fire was under control in 42 minutes, and fire crews remained on-scene for several hours to ventilate and investigate the fire.

The home is owned by Jeffrey & Tammy Cameron and is occupied by Julie O'Neill and Jeremy Free and two children; a 10-year-old girl who was not home and a 6-year-old boy. Ms. O'Neill and two family friends who were asleep were awakened by a working smoke alarm and found heavy smoke and fire in the garage. Michael Schehr called 911, while Estaban Lyons attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose, while Ms. O'Neill woke up her 6 year old son and evacuated the home.

One pet cat was found deceased, but 2 other cats, 2 rats and a dog survived. Logan, a Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix the dog was transported to Willamette Valley Animal Hospital in Keizer for smoke inhalation.

Fire and smoke damage to the house is estimated at $30,000 as the fire damaged the entire family room, the garage, destroyed a '76 Toyota Celica and smoke-damaged the entire house and contents.

The property owners do have the structure insured, but the occupants did not have renters insurance on the contents. The fire is still under investigation at this time.

Side note: The Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association will be paying the veterinarian bill for Logan's treatment at Willamette Valley Animal Hospital.