Just before 2:00pm, September 2nd, a 2-alarm structure fire drew a response from nearly 8 fire agencies after Josephine County 911 received reports of smoke coming from a roof in the 1000 block of Cienaga Lane. Firefighters arrived to find a well-involved 2nd floor and attic of a large, uniquely-designed residence.
First arriving units from the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District were able to keep the fire from spreading into nearby grass and brush, and crews from Rural Metro Fire and Grants Pass Fire arrived and initiated the attack on the interior.
Even though the occupants were not home at the time of the fire, firefighters could hear the sound of dogs inside and were able to assist 3 dogs from the thick smoke-filled bottom floor. They were placed in the care of a neighbor, and did not appear to be suffering from any smoke inhalation.
Firefighters were able to get the fire under control in a little over 1 hour but locating and mop-up of fire in hidden spaces throughout the unique building construction lasted over 5 hours. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
