Brookings home destroyed, captured mid-blaze

A Brookings family was dealt a crushing blow after a blaze claimed their home at 14929 Ocean View in Brookings Harbor.

Harbor Fire District Chief Steve McClintock was first on the scene, after the call came in at around 4:38 p.m. on Monday, May 11. A combined force of 15 firefighters and 3 engines from the Brookings and Harbor departments arrived to try and stop the damage.

Unfortunately, the house was entirely lost, with the damages expected to be in excess of $500,000. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, though an Oregon State Fire Marshall deputy was on hand to inspect the scene. The investigation continues through the State Fire Marshalls and Harbor Fire District.

Thankfully, the family was unharmed, and rescue measures for their dogs were successful. The local branch of the American Red Cross was quickly in contact with the family over recovery efforts.

“Both [Brookings] and Harbor had some of our volunteer staff on hand due to the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Wildland Upstaffing Grant. This allowed us to get our engines out faster than we’d normally be able to respond,” said Brookings Fire and Rescue Chief Jim Watson.

With wildfire season fast approaching, its is more crucial then ever to follow all State and Local fire advisories. It is all of our responsibility to take the necessary precautions to prevent both domestic and wildfires.

The Oregon State Fire Marshalls recommend a few things to prevent and limit damage from house fires:

Make sure your house is fitted with fire alarms on each level, and in each bedroom. Replace the batteries regularly, and make sure everyone knows how they sound when triggered. Contact your local department or the Red Cross if you do not have smoke alarms.

Come up with a fire escape plan for your home, thinking through all possible exits, both doors and windows. Make sure those exits are easily accessible, and identify a meeting place outside that is a safe distance away from any potential fire.

Practice your plan and review important safety measures. For example, be sure to stay low to avoid inhaling dangerous smoke. Close any doors and windows as you exit to restrict the flow of oxygen into the house. Once you are out; stay out.