Whata Duck!, Oct. 23

When a kitchen fire broke out at the Wesley Center, 1236 Kincaid, Eugene, University of Oregon employee Sarah Anderson, who was on a break from working next door at the Duck Store, reacted swiftly and effectively by entering the structure, locating a fire extinguisher, ducking below the smoke, entering the kitchen and putting the fire out. All occupants, including Ms. Anderson, were out of the structure upon the Fire Department’s arrival at 1:40pm, 10/22/2014. Firefighters checked for fire extension and then begun overhaul and smoke removal. The cause of the fire was determined to be food that was left cooking and unattended. The fire had sp read to the cabinets and was growing rapidly when it was extinguished. While fire officials always appreciate citizen involvement they are quick to emphasize that the best course of action is to rapidly exit any structure that is on fire. Ms. Anderson had left the scene prior to the firefighters arrival and it was only after interviewing bystanders did they piece together Ms. Anderson’s heroic actions. By the time firefighters had arrived on scene she had reported back to the Duck Store where she works as an Administrative Assistant. Concerned fellow employees convinced her to be examined for smoke inhalation at the University District hospital where she was treated and released. Fire officials contacted her later to follow up on her well being and to thank her for her assistance. Fire and heat damage was contained to the kitchen area. There was smoke damage throughout the structure. Initial damage estimate is $25,000.