Oregon - Firefighters from Jefferson were called to a house fire at 1058 Talbot Rd. SE in Jefferson just after noon today. No one was home at the time of the fire which has been blamed on a propane heater too close to a wall. According to Chief Don Bemrose, "the quick response of the firefighters limited the damage to the home". The home did have working smoke alarms. Nate Axmaker, 31, indicated he left a propane heater on to dry out a bathroom that was undergoing a remodel due to water damage from the water pipes. The 3200 sq. ft. home was once two structures that was remodeled into one. Approximately half of the home suffered heavy fire damage and the other half heavy smoke damage. Other family members living at the residence include Nate's wife Kristie, 29, daughter Molly, 2, Brother David, 38, and Sister Amanda, 21. The home has belonged to the Axmaker family since 1989. This isn't the first time that the Axmaker family has had to call for emergency help. Several years ago they lost their barn, and in December a family member's car was stolen at gunpoint all at the same address. The home is valued at $400,000 and the estimated damage to the structure and contents is over $100,000. The family indicated that the home is insured. The Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross will be assisting the family. Firefighters from Turner, Stayton and Albany fire departments also assisted at the fire scene. Marion County Sheriff's Office assisted with traffic control since Talbot Road was down to one lane. There were no injuries reported. Written and photos by Jefferson Fire District

Oregon - Firefighters from Jefferson were called to a house fire at 1058 Talbot Rd. SE in Jefferson just after noon today. No one was home at the time of the fire which has been blamed on a propane heater too close to a wall. According to Chief Don Bemrose, "the quick response of the firefighters limited the damage to the home". The home did have working smoke alarms. Nate Axmaker, 31, indicated he left a propane heater on to dry out a bathroom that was undergoing a remodel due to water damage from the water pipes. The 3200 sq. ft. home was once two structures that was remodeled into one. Approximately half of the home suffered heavy fire damage and the other half heavy smoke damage. Other family members living at the residence include Nate's wife Kristie, 29, daughter Molly, 2, Brother David, 38, and Sister Amanda, 21. The home has belonged to the Axmaker family since 1989. This isn't the first time that the Axmaker family has had to call for emergency help. Several years ago they lost their barn, and in December a family member's car was stolen at gunpoint all at the same address. The home is valued at $400,000 and the estimated damage to the structure and contents is over $100,000. The family indicated that the home is insured. The Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross will be assisting the family. Firefighters from Turner, Stayton and Albany fire departments also assisted at the fire scene. Marion County Sheriff's Office assisted with traffic control since Talbot Road was down to one lane. There were no injuries reported. Written and photos by Jefferson Fire District