Wind-Whipped Fire Damages Madras Home

Gusty winds posed a challenge for Jefferson County firefighters battling a house fire in Madras Wednesday evening that caused extensive damage and claimed the lives of three puppies and a cat, an official said.

A neighbor called to report the fire around 5:45 p.m. at a home at 2381 S. Adams Avenue, said Tom Jaca, assistant chief and fire marshal for Jefferson County Fire District No. 1.

The couple who live at the home were at work, Jaca said. Three puppies and a cat perished in the fire, but two adult dogs made it out unharmed, he added.

The crews had the fire knocked down in less than a half-hour, despite winds gusting close to 25 mph, but it caused extensive damage. Jaca said it apparently started in a partial daylight basement, but the cause remained under investigation and a damage estimate was still being compiled.

“It worked from the basement up to the main section and got into the attic as well” in the three-bedroom home, with a shake-shingle roof, Jaca said.

The home was insured, Jaca said, adding that the couple was staying with nearby family.