Woman had gone back into house to rescue a pair of cats
Firefighters pulled a woman out of a burning home on B Street on Monday night, according to a news release posted on the city of Ashland website. The fire was reported at 8:33 p.m. in the first block of B Street, between Water and Oak streets, the block just west of the Historic Ashland Armory.
Firefighters were on scene quickly, went in and found the woman and brought her out. She was treated at an ambulance that had responded, then taken to a Portland hospital, according to fire officials. No update on her condition was available.
The fire was contained to one bedroom and extinguished with aid from Jackson County Fire District No. 5, the city said. Smoke damage was heavy throughout the home.
The fire was upgraded to a second alarm, but later downgraded once crews on scene quickly made the rescue and got the fire contained. An investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing with help from Medford Fire Department
“I couldn’t be prouder of our firefighters for how quickly and efficiently they saved someone’s life in this fire. Training is everything and it really shows the professionalism and dedication our staff make day in and day out to this community,” said Ashland Fire & Rescue Chief Ralph Sartain.
Ashland, Talent and Phoenix police also responded and helped at the scene, as did Ashland Electric. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist with emergency housing and support for the two people displaced by the fire.
Chief Sartain added, “In this case, a person was injured in the fire after going back into the burning building to rescue two cats. I want to impress upon everyone that once you’re out of a building during a fire, please stay out. Your life could depend on it.”
Firefighters could not find the cats in the home and believe they escaped.
Email Ashland.news Executive Editor Bert Etling at betling@ashland.news or call or text him at 541-631-1313.
April 5 update: Story updated with information about where fire victim was taken and status of the cats.
