March 12, 2024 9:20 a.m.  

A thirteen-year-old died in a multi-family residential structure fire on Monday night.

A Roseburg Fire Department report said just after 7:45 p.m. personnel responded to the to a fire with a possible rescue in the 2300 block of West Harvard Avenue. Fire Chief Tyler Christopherson said firefighters arrived on the scene to find heavy fire coming from the second and third floors of the large structure that included multiple apartments. Christopherson said upon arrival, residents informed crews that there may be a teen- resident still inside the building.

Multiple crews entered the multi-story residence and searched all floors for the missing person. Christopherson said firefighters were able to locate the boy on the second floor and found him to be unconscious. Crews quickly removed the victim through a second-floor window. The patient was transported to a nearby hospital where the victim was pronounced deceased. Two other patients were taken to the hospital as well.

Christopherson said crews extinguished the fire and spent considerable time overhauling the structure. Multiple dogs were also found deceased due to the fire. The American Red Cross responded and was assisting multiple displaced residents.

Christopherson said the multi-family residence sustained structural, smoke and water damage. The fire investigation is ongoing and multiple agencies are involved in the efforts.

Thirty-one firefighters assisted with the firefighting efforts. Other agencies assisting RFD included Douglas County Fire District No. 2, Winston-Dillard Fire District, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Pacific Power, Avista Utilities, Roseburg Police Department and Adapt.