News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
* UPDATE * - CAUSE OF FIRE IDENTIFIED - WOMAN DIES IN SMOKE-FILLED SALEM HOME
Posted: July 7th, 2011 6:01 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-07/1294/45953/Silverstone_Drive_NE.JPG (Death Investigation Scene)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-07/1294/45953/MCSO_Command.JPG (MCSO Command Post)
Fire Investigators from the Marion County Fire Investigation Team (Mc-FIT) and Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office have concluded that this fire started in the bedroom of the home, where the victim was found.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be the "improper use of smoking related materials" according to the McFIT investigators.
The preliminary results from the autopsy indicate that Caroline Thomas died of smoke inhalation.
Investigation revealed that working smoke alarms were present in the home. Damage to the home was estimated at $45,000. Damage to the contents was estimated at $15,000.
All media questions dealing with the fire investigation should be directed to Marion County Fire District Captain Paula Smith, at 503.932.8303.
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The victim has been identified as Caroline K. Thomas, 50. She lived at the residence with her husband, Nicholas, and their daughter.
Her husband arrived home from work and discovered the house filled with smoke. He called 911 and requested help.
An autopsy will be conducted today to determine the cause of her death.
Marion County Detectives and Fire Investigators are at the scene investigating the cause of the incident. No further information is available at this time.
Tape recordings of the 911 call will be available after the investigation is complete. We anticipate that being on Friday or Saturday.
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Fire Apparatus from the Marion County Fire District #1, along with deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to a smoke investigation call at a home in the 3500 block of Silverstone Drive NE in Salem at 5:32pm today.
Fire personnel and Sr. Deputy Jason Hickam located an adult female inside the residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld, pending notification of family members.
The Medical Examiner, Fire Investigators, and Marion County Detectives are on the scene conducting their investigation. Damage to the house was contained to smoke inside the structure.
No information is currently available as to the cause of the fire or the death of the female found in the house. There were no other occupants in the house at the time of the call.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available, however, identification of the victim will probably not occur until tomorrow.
