October 30, 2023 11:00 a.m. 

A commercial building fire on Sunday in Sutherlin is under investigation.

An update released by the Sutherlin Fire Department said just after 7:00 a.m. SFD crews were dispatched due to the report of a possible structure fire in the area of West Central Avenue and Grant Street.

Fire Division Chief Brandan McGarr said while crews were enroute, dispatchers advised that multiple callers said it was a working structure fire. McGarr said first responders found heavy fire coming from the rear metal warehouse at Tim’s Tree House. The fire was immediately upgraded to a second alarm. On scene firefighters were advised of a possible victim inside the warehouse and immediately switched into rescue mode. McGarr said crews were significantly slowed due to heavy fire involvement. A short time later it was discovered that the report of a victim inside was inaccurate, so firefighters switched to a defensive strategy due to the risk of structural collapse.

A third alarm was called in to bring additional firefighters and an additional ladder truck for aerial water stream operations. Sutherlin firefighters were on the scene for approximately 12 hours as extensive overhaul operations were necessary.

McGarr said 22 SFD firefighters fought the blaze. They were assisted by the Fair Oaks Fire District, Douglas County Fire District No. 2, Oakland Fire District, Kellogg Fire District, and the Roseburg Fire Department for a total of approximately 40 firefighters on the scene.

No firefighters or civilians were injured during the incident.

The fire is being investigated by the Sutherlin Police Department, Oregon State Police Arson, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

Pictures from the fire are posted at www.541radio.com.