Fatal Structure Fire in Winston Under Investigation

WINSTON, Ore. – One person died in a structure fire on Tuesday morning in Winston, according to a release from Central Douglas Fire & Rescue (CDF&R).

Fire crews were dispatched to a home on Northeast Darrell Avenue shortly after 7:15 a.m. after neighbors reported heavy smoke filling the residence and visible flames through a window.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke escaping from the eaves and blackened windows. After entering the home, crews found dense smoke at floor level and a fire burning in the living room. During a search of the residence, firefighters discovered an individual in the living room and removed them from the house. Despite a swift knockdown of the flames, which were contained to the living room, the entire home sustained significant heat and smoke damage.

The Winston Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office medical examiner identified the victim through interviews with the homeowners, who were at work at the time of the fire. The victim, a friend who had been staying at the residence for several weeks, was confirmed deceased. Authorities have notified next of kin, but the victim’s name has not been released. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

CDF&R responded with four fire apparatus and three command units, deploying a total of 15 paid and volunteer personnel. Crews were assisted on the scene by Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Pacific Power, Avista Gas, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, which is aiding in determining the fire’s cause and origin.