SUMPTER, Ore. - An Oregon State Police trooper's quick response near Baker City on Sunday may have saved a woman's life.
Senior Trooper Brad Duncan of the Fish and Wildlife Division in Baker City was patrolling in Sumpter - which is southwest of Baker City - when he saw a vehicle on fire and three people standing nearby, OSP said.
After seeing one of the people unsuccessfully try to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher, Duncan told the people to get away from the vehicle, which by then was fully engulfed.
Duncan also noticed that there was a propane tank between a home and the vehicle. He feared that the tank might explode.
As the fire spread to the residence, Duncan learned that the home's owner - an 81-year-old woman - was believed to still be inside.
Duncan and of the Sumpter Valley Fire Department went to the door to inquire and Duncan went inside to look for the woman.
Duncan located the woman and her son inside the home. The son told Duncan that his mom couldn't stand or walk on her own.
Duncan carried the woman out of the house, and Sumpter Valley firefighters extinguished the flames.
It was determined the fire was started while an occupant of the residence was working on the fuel system of a vehicle.
