Quick-Thinking Passersby Prevent Major Damage in Downtown Grants Pass Fire

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Passersby who noticed smoke coming from the front window of a Grants Pass office building yesterday at approximately 11:30 AM in the 600 block of SE 7th Street managed to contain the fire after calling 911. Grants Pass Fire quickly extinguished it upon arrival shortly thereafter.

Grants Pass Commercial Building Fire Extinguished

Before the fire crews arrived, bystanders noticed the smoke. They used available fire extinguishers to slow the spread of the flames. Firefighters extinguished the fire within 10 minutes of arrival. Damage was contained to a small area, and no injuries were reported.

Battalion Chief Nelson of Grants Pass Fire said, “Those individuals’ quick thinking and immediate action made a real difference.”

Grants Pass Fire, which responded to the call, said that because of the quick action of alert passersby, the fire, which could have become much larger, was kept small and damage was minimized. American Medical Response, Rural Metro Fire, and Grants Pass Police assisted Grants Pass Fire.

The cause of the fire was determined to be an overloaded electrical outlet.

Grants Pass Fire reminded the public that early detection and rapid reporting are key to limiting fire damage. If you see smoke or fire, call 9-1-1 immediately- before attempting to intervene. Only use fire extinguishers when it is safe to do so.