×

Autopsy planned in fatal fire

Staff Reports

Salem Detective Brad Davis said the name of the victim from the fatal fire on Westview Drive Sunday still isn’t being released, pending positive identification through the coroner’s office.

Davis said Tuesday that there’s going to be an autopsy. He said it’s probable that the victim is a 64-year-old male, who fire investigators said reportedly lived at the residence with his daughter, but Davis said he’s not going to release the identity until the autopsy is done.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Three dogs and a cat also perished in the fire. According to the fire report, the victim was found in a bedroom at the back of the house and the pets were found in the living room.

The state fire marshal’s office and city fire department are investigating. Fire Chief Scott Mason did say that oxygen tanks were in the bedroom.

The home at 1268 Westview was a rental, owned by Stratton Brothers Real Estate, and was insured by the homeowners. It was uncertain if there was renters insurance. Damages were initially estimated at $60,000 for the one-story structure and $20,000 for the contents.

Both the Red Cross and the Salvation Army were assisting the daughter, who wasn’t home at the time of the fire.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today