Update Fatal Riddle Fire, March 7

The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled the cause of the fire to be accidental with a space heater being the probable ignition source. There is a possibility the heater was in too close of a proximity to combustible material. The Fire Marshal’s Office advises residents should keep all combustible materials at least three feet away from a heat source, such as a heater. The single surviving family member, 39 year-old James Howell, is remains at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in critical condition. Original release.  Just after 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, a house fire was reported in the 700 block of E. Third Ave, Riddle. The Riddle and Tri-City Fire Departments both responded. There were multiple fatalities and multiple injuries. The injured were very seriously injured and were transported to the burn trauma center at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland.