Eugene-Springfield Fire responds to apartment fire that seriously injured one resident near downtown Eugene

Eugene, OR – Eugene-Springfield Fire responded to a fourth-floor apartment fire near downtown Eugene on Saturday evening, Aug. 1, after an automatic fire alarm was followed by multiple reports of smoke inside the building.

Fire crews were initially dispatched shortly before 5:30 p.m. to the apartment building at 599 E. Broadway after an automatic alarm was activated. Shortly afterward, multiple callers contacted Central Lane 911 reporting smoke inside the building, prompting dispatchers to upgrade the response to a first-alarm high life hazard assignment before firefighters arrived.

The upgraded response brought five fire engines, two ladder trucks, two chief officers, and two ambulances to the scene due to the size of the building and the potential risk to residents.

When firefighters arrived, numerous residents were already evacuating the building. Crews were also informed of a possible burn victim located on the fourth floor.

Firefighters entered the building while the alarm system was sounding and encountered moderate smoke conditions on the fourth floor. Crews located the fire and contained it to a single apartment unit.

One resident suffered serious burn injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Five additional residents were evaluated for possible smoke inhalation but declined transportation. Two other individuals experienced unrelated medical issues while crews were on scene, but their conditions were resolved and neither required transport.

Due to the number of residents affected, smoke conditions inside the building, and the number of people needing medical evaluation, incident commanders requested a second alarm to bring additional firefighters and ambulances to assist.

The building’s automatic fire sprinkler system helped limit the spread of the fire, allowing crews to contain it to the apartment where it originated. Firefighters then worked to extinguish the flames and address smoke and water impacts throughout the building.

The fire damaged one apartment unit at Bridges on Broadway, a Homes for Good property. Staff from Homes for Good were assisting residents who were displaced by the fire with temporary housing arrangements.

Eugene-Springfield Fire said no additional injuries have been reported and no firefighters or emergency responders were injured during the response. The condition of the resident who suffered burn injuries was not immediately available.

The emergency response involved 11 fire companies, three chief officers, four ambulances, one support unit, one EMS officer, and deputy fire marshals. More than 50% of the department’s on-duty resources were committed to the incident, which officials said is typical for significant emergencies involving large residential buildings with many occupants.

While crews remained at the scene, additional fire companies from across the Eugene-Springfield area were repositioned throughout the community to ensure emergency coverage remained available for other calls.