NEWS RELEASE

The on-scene investigation of the fatal second alarm fire that took place at 9:37 p.m. on Tuesday night in Gladstone has been finished. Officials from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Investigation Team and the Clackamas County Investigation Team have concluded that the cause of this fire is undetermined. The area of origin has been specified as the dining room, and the interview segment of the investigation is still underway. While burn patterns indicate that the fire began in the dining room, investigators were unable to find conclusive evidence of a specific cause. There was a smoke alarm in the residence at the time of the fire but it has been determined by investigators that the alarm was not in working order.

Two people lost their lives in this fire that burned most of the Boetger family’s apartment located at 123 West Hereford in Gladstone. Advanced life support efforts were performed on Mike Boetger, approximate age 22, and his son Randon Boetger, age three, at the scene and they were immediately transported to Willamette Falls Hospital where their fate was confirmed. Amy Boetger (Randon Boetger’s mother), age 21, was also treated at the scene and immediately transported to Legacy Emmanuel Hospital where she still remains in critical condition.

This fire was particularly tragic because Amy Boetger was the daughter of Gladstone Volunteer Battalion Chief Randy Hopperstad. Unfortunately he was one of the firefighters who responded to this tragic incident.

The Boetger family does not have medical insurance, so any contributions that citizens would like to send can be addressed to the Clackamas Fire and Emergency Medical Services Foundation at 555 Portland Avenue in Gladstone, OR 97027. This fire serves as a tragic reminder of the importance to be safe this holiday season. Never leaving candles unattended, keeping combustible items away from space heaters, keeping chimneys regularly maintained and keeping Christmas trees watered are all ways to avoid fires. Of course, having working smoke alarms and practicing home fire escape plans can save lives in case of a fire.

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