Salem Fire Department responds to two structure fires in 12-hour span

The Salem Fire Department responded to two separate structure fires within a 12-hour period late Friday and early Saturday, according to the department.

The first call came in at 8:42 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, for a structure fire in the 1100 block of West Walnut Street. According to the department's Facebook page, Engine 7 arrived on scene to find an active fire at a single-family residence. Engine 3 and Command 1 provided additional support.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and contain the damage to two rooms of the home. The occupant and a pet were able to escape without injury. The Salem Fire Department also acknowledged assistance from the City of Salem Water Department and Duke Energy during the response.

Almost exactly twelve hours later, a second structure fire was reported at 8:44 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, in the 5000 block of East Marrs Road. The fire involved a hog barn. Engine 3, Tanker 2, Tanker 8, and Car 1 responded, with Engine 3 arriving to find smoke coming from the structure.

Additional assistance was requested from Gibson Township, the Volunteer Fire Department of Franklin Township, and North Washington Volunteer Fire Department Inc. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire. No animals were present in the barn at the time of the incident.

Utility support during the second response was provided by Jackson County REMC and Midwest Natural Gas. In their Facebook post, the Salem Fire Department also expressed appreciation to Shell-Lions and Bodega Wine & Spirits for providing water and coffee to crews during the morning response.

No injuries were reported in either incident.