A mother and two of her three children died as a fire tore through their rural Scappoose home earlier this week, authorities said Wednesday.
Firefighters responded about 3:30 a.m. Sunday to a private drive in the 26000 block of Northwest St. Helens Road and found the home engulfed in flames.
Shuri Hahmeyer, 38, and her 9-year-old daughter Nevayeh Callaway and 6-year-old son Zerych Callaway died.
Hahnmeyer’s father attempted to rescue the three but was overcome by smoke, Scappoose Fire District Division Chief Miguel Bautista said in a phone interview.
Hahnmeyer’s mother called 911 and directed firefighters to the back bedroom, where the mother and children typically slept, but it was too late, Bautista said. Hahnmeyer’s parents also lived in the home.
Hahnmeyer’s other child, a 14-year-old girl, was sleeping over at a friend’s house at the time and was not injured, he said.
“We’re all torn by this,” Bautista said.
Investigators have ruled out arson and believe the fire was accidental, Bautista said. He declined to release a potential cause, citing the ongoing investigation by Oregon State Police and the family’s insurers.
Three smoke alarms were installed on the property, but none appeared to have been replaced within their 10-year warranty, Bautista said. First responders and surviving family members did not hear any alarms, he said.
“These tragedies remind us how quickly fire can grow. We just want to urge people to check their smoke alarms and ensure they have good batteries and are operating normally,” Bautista said.
The family’s dog, Dude, and cat, Misschiff, also died in the fire. Grief counselors are available at Grant Watts Elementary, where the family’s children attended.
