A 71-year-old salem woman died in a house fire in unincorporated east Salem on Wednesday afternoon, October 29, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.Firefighters responded to the blaze in the 4900 block of Oak Park Drive shortly before 12:34 p.m.,finding the home fully engulfed in flames.
The victim has been identified as Lesa Lemons. While the cause of the fire remains under inquiry, authorities have stated it dose not appear to be suspicious. The incident underscores the heightened fire risk during periods of increased temperatures and low fuel moisture, prompting reminders about fire prevention safety measures.
Emergency crews arrived on scene within minutes of the initial report, but were unable to save the structure. Lemons was discovered inside the home and pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighters remained at the location as of 5:47 p.m. Wednesday, continuing to investigate and ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. Anyone with information related to the fire is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s Office.