Woman, 74, dies in Springfield triplex fire; fireworks suspected

(Update: Victim identified)

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) – Officials say a woman died and three triplex units burned in a blaze that may have been started by fireworks in Springfield.

Fire crews responded shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday. The fire was under control a little more than an hour later.

Authorities identified the woman as 74-year-old Clara Baller.

Springfield police Lt. Scott McKee said the fire is believed to have started in the garage attached to Baller’s home. Smoke quickly overwhelmed the whole house, and the blaze spread to a neighboring duplex.

Though officials suspect fireworks, the investigation into the cause of the fire remains active.