Smoke alarm saves Sisters resident

A working smoke alarm most likely saved the life of a Sisters resident during an early Monday morning house fire, according to Dave Wheeler, fire marshal for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District.

George Hargraves was awakened by a smoke alarm about 1 a.m. at his residence at 415 East Washington St. in Sisters. He immediately left the house and called 911 on his cell phone. Firefighters responded from the Sisters Fire Hall just three blocks away.

Quick detection and a fast response resulted in only interior damage to the structure estimated at between $5,000 and $10,000, according to Wheeler. Most damage was to the wall behind the wood stove, he added.

Two engines and 20 firefighters from the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District responded to the fire. They were aided by an engine and six firefighters from the Black Butte Ranch RFPD and one engine from the Cloverdale RFPD.

Five other firefighters from Sisters reported to the Sisters Fire Hall to be ready to respond to other fires or emergency medical runs. The fire was controlled by 2 a.m. No injuries were reported.

"We always take major action on house fires in a residential area," Wheeler stated, explaining the number of firefighters responding to the call. "In addition, safety regulations require that for every firefighter inside a burning structure, we have another one outside for any potential rescue effort."

Hargraves had moved into the rental property about a month ago. At that time, smoke alarms were checked, according to Kevin Dyer, who owns the property with his wife Debbie, and Chuck Newport.

"We found batteries missing from one alarm and another alarm completely gone," Dyer said. "We replaced these and we are really pleased that they were working."

"The property owners and the renter did a great job in checking the batteries and the smoke detector before the fire occurred," Wheeler said. "Checking the detectors very possibly saved the occupant's life and definitely saved the home. With the early alert, the department was able to do a quick knockdown of the fire with minimal damage."

Every year, fire kills an estimated 4,000 Americans and injures another 30,000, Wheeler said.

Most fatal fires that occur in residences happen between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Wheeler recommends that smoke alarms be placed on every level of the home, outside each sleeping area and in every bedroom.