Fatal Fire in Douglas Co., March 2

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 are multiple fatalities and multiple injuries. The injured are very seriously injured and have been transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. At this time, the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Arson Investigation Unit of the Oregon State Police are at the scene assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the investigation. Further information about the victims will be released after appropriate family notifications have been made.  **Update-03-01-2017, 2:30 p.m.** At the time of the fire, there were 7 household members present inside the residence. Four people died at the scene and three were transported to Mercy Medical Center and then transferred to Legacy Emanuel in Portland. The status of all household members is as follows: James Keith Howell / male – age 39 / Serious injuries / Transported to Legacy Emanuel. Tabitha Annette Howell / female – age 38 / Serious injuries / Transported to Legacy Emanuel. Andrew Hall-Young / male – age 13 / Serious injuries / Transported to Legacy Emanuel. Gwendolyn Howell / female – age 4 / Deceased; Haley Maher / female – age 7 / Deceased; Isaiah Young / male – age 10 / Deceased; Nicholas Lowe / male – age 13 / Deceased. Investigators are still at the home, processing the fire scene. No further updates are expected today. Next of kin has been notified.