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SALEM, Ore. — A man has been arrested weeks after a two-alarm fire at a four-story apartment complex in West Salem endangered dozens of residents and injured three pets.
Residents Jumped to Safety From a Second-Story Balcony
The fire erupted in the stairwell, blocking the main exit, in the 200 block of 288 Stoneway Drive NW on October 3. In an attempt to avoid the flames and smoke, several residents had to jump to safety from a second-story balcony.
An investigation soon established that the fire was an act of arson, and yesterday, 54-year-old Calvin Tucker was arrested without incident. He is lodged at the Polk County Jail on four counts of first-degree arson, three counts of first-degree animal abuse, and reckless endangerment.
Thirty-three firefighters managed to contain the fire to the stairwell, but four apartments were damaged and their occupants, six adults and seven children, were temporarily rehoused by the Red Cross.
The roof of the complex was also damaged because the stairwell acted as a ‘chimney,’ forcing the flames upwards. However, neither the stairwell nor the roof collapsed during the blaze, which was brought under control in under 30 minutes.
This is an ongoing investigation.
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