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Attic fire blamed on electrical failure

SALEM — An electrical failure/malfunction was blamed for an attic fire Wednesday which also resulted in two Salem firefighters going to the hospital for minor injuries.

One firefighter injured his ankle after falling outside at the scene at 1466 E. State St. and the other suffered possible smoke inhalation after being struck by the hose while fighting the fire, loosening his air mask.

Capt. Jeff Olinger said both men were evaluated at Salem Regional Medical Center and discharged, with orders to follow up with their family physicians.

Firefighters received the call at 5:42 p.m. Wednesday about the attic on fire in the two-story structure owned by Jeff Schreiber, according to the fire report. While responding, they could see smoke in the area and called in all off-duty personnel. Heavy smoke was showing when they arrived and the occupant said the house had been evacuated. The fire was extinguished, then firefighters worked on overhauling the affected space. The fire was confined to the attic.

Damages were estimated at $18,000, with $15,000 for the structure and $3,000 for the contents. The home, which neighbors said was a rental, was insured.

Firefighters remained on the scene until 7:39 p.m. and then cleared.

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