DURKEE, Ore. — Despite repeated attempts at rescue, a woman died Sunday after becoming trapped in her burning house, authorities say.
The house fire broke out in the tiny eastern Oregon town of Durkee, about 20 miles west of Huntington.
According to the Baker County Sheriff's Office, 68-year-old Jackie Jackson called 911 at 8:43 a.m., telling dispatchers the house was on fire and she was trapped on the second floor.
Firefighters from North Powder, Huntington, Baker City, and Baker Rural Fire were dispatched to the scene. Durkee is not in a fire protection district, according to the sheriff's office.
By the time responders arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames. An Oregon State Police Trooper and a citizen twice tried to get into the house to save Jackson, but were turned back by the flames and heavy smoke.
The home's other resident, 73-year-old Robert Jackson, was able to make it out of the home, but Jackie Jackson did not, according to the sheriff's office. The woman's body was found inside the house after the fire was extinguished.
"On behalf of the emergency responders, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office extends sincere condolences to the friends and family of Jackie Jackson during this difficult time," the sheriff's office posted on Facebook.
The fire is believed to be accidental, authorities said. The Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Baker County Sheriff’s Office.
