Three children killed, two hurt in Salem fire

SALEM – A fire at a Salem duplex apartment killed three boys Monday and injured two other children, authorities said.

A statement from Jeremy Arendt and Tonya Hegwood identified their sons – Zachary Arendt, 6, and Ryan Arendt, 3 – as two of the victims. A third victim, the boys’ cousin, 4-year old Alexander Shipley, died at Oregon Health & Science University hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Arendt and Hegwood’s daughters, Mariah, 8, and Brittany, 22 months, were treated and released from Salem Hospital.

Jeremy Arendt was admitted to Salem Hospital, where he remained late Monday. Hegwood was not home at the time of the fire.

“We now begin the healing process, both physically and emotionally,” the parents said in their statement. “We ask for your prayers of support as we confront the realities of life that now face us.”

The structure was burned to its frame leaving the charred remains of household items strewn about the property.

The fire was so hot that the front door hinges melted, said Bill Holmstrom, spokesman for the Salem Fire Department.

“When we arrived, we heard people screaming that people were still trapped inside, so our captain automatically called for two alarms,” Holmstrom said. “We had firefighters in there within seconds.”

Neighbor Rick and Lisa Tilson said they awoke to screaming and tried to help save the family.

“I didnt actually get in the house because the firefighters wouldn’t let me in,” Rick Tilson said. “But they handed me one of the boys out the window.”

Firefighters were called to the home at about 4 a.m. A cause has not been determined, but investigators think the blaze may have started in the living room.