Three people killed in house fire near Dallas; 3 others escape

DALLAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Three people were killed and one was seriously injured in a house fire early Sunday morning near the Polk County city of Dallas, sheriff's deputies said. Two others escaped with minor injuries.

The county's 911 dispatchers got a call just before 3 a.m. reporting the house fire in the 900 block of East Ellendale Avenue, just outside the Dallas city limits, deputies said.

Sheriff's deputies and several fire departments responded and found the home fully ablaze, deputies said. The fire incident commander called for a second alarm and more medics.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office, Polk County medical examiner and the district attorney's office also responded to the scene to assist.

Deputies determined three people were able to escape the home just before fire crews arrived, one taken to a Portland hospital with significant injuries. The other two people were treated and released on scene.

"Sadly, it was discovered there were three deceased persons inside the residence," deputies said in a news release. Their names were not being released until all family members are notified.

Polk County public works also was called to the scene to help excavate and remove debris, allowing fire crews and deputies to enter the home after the blaze was extinguished.

Sheridan, SW Polk County and West Valley fire department crews were assisted by the Dallas, Salem and McMinnville fire departments and Polk County Fire District No. 1. A neighboring house had minor damage from the fire.

The fire is still under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshal's Office.