North Lincoln Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a medical call this morning at 5:01 am to a “Difficulty breathing for a 38 year old male”, the first fire unit on scene arrived to find the occupant outside of the structure with another man and heavy smoke coming out of the coastal cottage located at 1600 NE 14th Street in Lincoln City, prompting a second alarm for a structure fire.

The resident had called 911 with “breathing difficulty” seemingly unaware in the dark that he had a fire inside the small home.  A neighbor getting ready for work saw the smoke and heard the smoke alarm sounding, he ran across the street knocked on the door and helped get the man outside of the smoke filled dwelling as his wife called 911 to report the fire from across the street.

North Lincoln Fire & Rescue crews arrived on scene with three engines, a ladder truck, heavy rescue and three staff vehicles, quickly extinguishing the fire and the occupant was transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital by Pacific West Ambulance.   Early investigation of this fire by Fire Marshal & Assistant Chief, Doug Kerr points to smoking as the most probable cause of the fire.

This has been the third fire in Lincoln City in the last two weeks, Pelican Shores Motel at 2645 NW Inlet had a laundry room fire on July 20th forcing the evacuation of the motel and the next day, July 21st, Gallucci’s Pizzeria at 2845 NW Highway 101 had a kitchen fire, sending the owner to hospital for smoke inhalation.

In all of these cases swift action, smoke alarms and notification to 911 by neighbors or occupants, assisted in evacuation and suppression these fires. Rapid deployment of North Lincoln Fire & Rescue’s volunteer firefighters help keep the damage to a bare minimum.  These incidents serve as a reminder to be mindful of fire risks around your home and/or business and to be sure all smoke alarms are in working order and you have an escape plan in the event of a fire.