HUBBARD, Ore. (KOIN) — A body was found in a burning house early Tuesday morning, and the people who own the house are unaccounted for, deputies said.
Firefighters responded to reports of a house fire on the 18000 block of Fobert Road NE around 3 a.m. and found 3 separate structures on fire including a house, a detached garage and shed. Because all 3 structures were burning, investigators deemed the fire “suspicious”. The structures reportedly aren’t close together.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the home belongs to Erin Kroeker, 39, and Keith Kroeker, 42, and their 3 children. But the family’s whereabouts are unknown.
“They’re really sweet. They’re neighbors. They brought us cookies for Christmas,” neighbor Olivia Palacios told KOIN 6 News. “I just think it’s horrible, you know? It’s crazy because random things happen like that.”
Anyone with information on the Kroeker’s whereabouts should call 503.588.5032.
A total of 7 fire agencies helped fight the blaze Tuesday morning. It was especially difficult due to a live power line and no nearby fire hydrants, officials said.
The house is on farm land, which is reportedly where the body was found. Investigators waited on clearance to enter the remnants of the burnt building, but it was expected to take some time due to safety concerns, deputies said. It could be late Tuesday or early Wednesday before authorities can enter.
“There’s also going to have to be some structural work done to these so that it’s safe for our investigators to go inside. So, we’re thinking this evening before we even get to set foot inside any of these structures,” Lt. Christ Baldridge said.
One sheriff’s deputy suffered mild smoke inhalation, but he is said to be OK.