April 20, 2026 4:30 p.m. 

A Reedsport woman is in custody on murder charges following a residential fire that claimed two lives on Thursday night.

A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office report said shortly before 11:00 p.m. dispatchers received a call about a structure fire in the 27000 block of Lower Smith River Road, northeast of Reedsport. Callers reported that individuals were unaccounted for and possibly still inside the residence.

Deputies and firefighters responded to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies attempted rescue and located one individual who was pulled from the house. Despite lifesaving efforts, the 65-year-old victim was pronounced deceased. A second victim, age 67, was also located inside and was also declared deceased. A third individual was able to escape the residence and was not injured. Identification of the victims is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

Deputies contacted a female at the scene, identified as 41-year-old Pamela Anne Westfall, and she was detained. Westfall reportedly admitted to intentionally starting the fire inside the home. Early indications suggest that the fire began following a disturbance.

Westfall was arrested and transported to Douglas County Jail. She is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, first-degree arson and for a warrant.

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information that may assist the case is asked to contact investigators at 440-4471.

Additional assistance at the scene was provided by the Winchester Bay Fire Department, Reedsport Fire Department, Gardiner Fire Department, Oregon State Police Arson Investigation and Crime Laboratory, Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office and the Reedsport Police Department.