MCKENZIE BRIDGE, Oregon (STPNS) -- VIDA: Crews from McKenzie Fire & Rescue and Springfield Fire & Life Safety, along with the Upper McKenzie, Lowell, Coburg, and Goshen fire departments all responded just before noon to a Saturday, August 11th, at 45241 Goodpasture Road.

McKenzie Fire Chief Darren Bucich reports that, “On arrival heavy fire was coming for the east side of the home which was a log home constructed over 80 years ago. The fire quickly spread to an addition on the house.”

The house, owned by Vernie Jo Johnson, was a two-story structure with a full basement. Located near Vida’s covered bridge that bears the family name, it was constructed by Gordon Goodpasture in the 1930’s.



Crews spent several hours on the incident doing a defensive attack after responded to an 11:47 am call. It took about over two hours before the fire was declared under control.

Personnel from McKenzie Fire returned to the scene on Monday to continue the over haul and begin an investigation. The State Fire Marshall was also at the scene, but at this time what caused the fire is unknown.

Bucich said the homeowners reported hearing some type of explosion in the east end of the house. When one of them went outside, the house was already on fire. They both were able to get out without injury.

Lane County Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the homeowners with their immediate needs.

“I would like to thank all the other agencies that were able to come out and help with the fire, Bucich said. “Most of them came from volunteer agencies and gave up a good portion of their day to help us out.”

As crews were finishing up at the fire at 5:14 p.m., they were dispatched to a water rescue at Marten Rapids where six people were stuck on a rock. All were rescued, with no injuries.