The Fourth of July is also responsible for many burn injuries associated with premature detonation or misuse of fireworks. Most fireworks burn injuries involve children. These are usually burns to their hands, eyes and feet. Because many of these injuries are not treated in emergency rooms, it is hard to determine the total number of fireworks injuries that occur during this holiday.

Firefighters with Douglas County Fire District No. 2 responded to two working structure fires Tuesday evening. 18 total firefighters responded to the two fires with 5 fire engines and assistance from Winston Dillard Fire District No. 5. The fires were both extinguished quickly preventing significant losses.

The first structure fire occurred at 8:26 P.M. at 3055 Porter Street in Roseburg. First arriving fire engines reported light smoke coming from the attic area. After investigation firefighters discovered that the attic was involved with fire. Personnel extended hose lines into the attic space and extinguished the fire. Firefighters had to remove some sheetrock below the fire to expose the roof rafters and fully extinguish the fire.

Personnel remained on scene for two hours. Pacific Power and Light also responded to disconnect the power to the structure.

No Damage estimate is available at this time. The cause is still under investigation.

The home is owned by Gregory Orton of Roseburg.

The Second structure fire was reported 11 minutes after the Porter Street fire and was located at 670 Glengary Loop in the Green area. First arriving firefighters found a two story home with a garage on fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the garage fire and focused on making sure the fire had not spread into the ceiling area above the garage. Firefighters determined the fire had not extended beyond the garage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

Sheetrocked walls and ceilings prevented the fire from spreading to the rest of the home.

Firefighters remained on scene for two hours cooling smoldering debris and assisting fire investigators. Winston Dillard Fire District No. 5 also responded to the Glengary Loop fire. Eight Firefighters responded to the fire with three engines and one incident commander.

The home was owned by: Ronald Groves and was occupied by Joe, Bogan. The fire caused an estimated $ 30,000 damage to the building and $10,000 damage to contents.

Firefighters with Douglas County Fire District No. 2 responded to a reported flue fire Thursday at 1:03 P.M.  The home was located at 214 Timberlake Ave. in Roseburg.  The home was owned by Rigoberto Herrera and Candace Mock.  The fire caused and estimated $8,000.00 in damage.

Prior to the first fire engine arriving at the scene, the homeowner called back and advised that the fire had spread from the chimney and was now coming from the roof of the home.  First arriving firefighters found a double wide manufactured home with light smoke coming from the building.  Further investigation revealed a fire was burning in the attic space around the stovepipe.  Firefighters extinguished the fire and then removed the ceiling and insulation around the pipe to make sure the fire did not extend.  

12 firefighters with three engines one ambulance and three command staff responded to the fire.  The fire was placed under control 13 minutes after the first engine arrived at the scene.  

Flue fires commonly spread to walls and the attic area of homes.  Flues can deteriorate over time letting a tremendous amount of heat escape during a flue fire. If wooden rafters in the ceiling or roof are in contact with the flue, the wood may catch on fire.  Homeowners should have their flue inspected and cleaned annually and burn only dry wood. 

The Oregon Department of Public Standards Safety and Training (DPSST) is providing the training as part of its statewide training program.

Firefighters will extinguish fires that simulate a flammable liquids fire, a gas meter fire, pipeline fire, a large propane tank fire, and a tanker Firefighters will work in teams of 5 firefighters that approach the flaming props and turn valves off to stop the leaking gas. Firefighters will be wearing full protective clothing and self contained breathing apparatus.