Eugene-Springfield Fire responded to a Sept. 27 fire at Oakwood Manor, an SVdP apartment complex in Eugene.
A fire on the morning of Friday, Sept. 27 damaged multiple units at Oakwood Manor, a West Eugene affordable-housing apartment complex owned and managed by St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County (SVdP). A quick response by Eugene-Springfield Fire crews prevented further spread of the fire, the cause of which remains under investigation.
The fire forced the evacuation of all residents in one of the property’s buildings. SVdP’s property-management and maintenance staff are currently assessing the extent of smoke and water damage with the help of contractors. Some affected residents might be able to return to their apartments, and SVdP will temporarily move others into motels for the duration of any necessary remediation.
SVdP opened the property’s community room for use by affected residents as the damage assessment takes place. Many impacted Oakwood Manor residents are elderly or have physical disabilities, and SVdP staff will make every effort to ensure that their temporary relocations go as smoothly as possible.
A couple of residents suffered minor injuries as a result of the fire or during the evacuation. One resident remained in the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation late in the day on Friday, but fortunately, none suffered significant or life-threatening injuries.
“Above all, we are so thankful that our residents are safe,” says SVdP Executive Director Bethany Cartledge. “We also want to extend a huge thank-you to Eugene Springfield Fire for their effective response today. It’s a comfort knowing that they’re here to protect our community.”
SVdP opened Oakwood Manor in 1996. The 72-unit complex has 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments; half are reserved for residents at or below 50 percent of area median income (AMI) and half for those at or below 60 percent AMI.