Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports today, May 20, 2025, at 7:05a.m., Linn County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls reporting a house fire in the 40000 block of Hwy 226, east of Scio. Reports stated the house was fully engulfed and someone was still inside the residence. Numerous Linn County Deputies, along with Oregon State Police, Scio Fire Department, Stayton Fire Departments, Lyons Fire Department, and the Lebanon Fire Departments responded to the scene
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Once on scene, emergency personnel found the house fire progressing with smoke and fire rolling out of the house. Marilyn Hanson, 76, of Scio, escaped the blaze and told emergency personnel that Sharon Dougherty, 57, of Scio was still inside the residence. Hanson attempted to get Dougherty out of the residence before emergency personnel arrived. Emergency personnel were unable to make entry into the residence due to the progressing fire. When they were able to enter, the found Dougherty deceased in the residence. Hanson sustained life-threatening burns over much of her body and was initially transported to Santiam Hospital. Hanson was then transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Linn County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and Oregon State Police. Anyone with information can contact Detective Kyle Connelly at (541) 967-3950.