OCEAN PARK Pacific County Fire District No. 1 was dispatched to a building fire in the 1400 block of 202nd Lane just after 9:45 p.m., on July 12. The first incoming engine arrived five minutes later to find a building with heavy fire involvement, and fire spreading to an adjacent garage. 

First arriving crews initially worked to provide medical aid to the building occupant, and prevent the fire from spreading to three other buildings. 

The occupant was later identified as Conny Purple. Carol Smith serves as Purples caregiver and says the woman was able to walk out of the house, but immediately had to sit down, which is when neighbors rushed over to move her to a safe distance from the fire.

Her neighbors were really, really helpful when it happened, said Smith.

Crews brought the fire under control at about 11 p.m., without any further fire spread. A total of 25 firefighters from District 1 and Long Beach Fire Department responded on three engines, two water tenders and two ambulances. The building is considered a total loss. The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation.

The patient was transported to Ocean Beach Hospital for treatment of fire-related injuries. Smith says Purple was transferred to Oregon Health Sciences University on Friday. On Tuesday, she was still waiting on word as to when Purple would be released.

Purples landlord, Jason Knott, has set her up with another apartment in Long Beach, at 405 North Washington, unit B. 

Knott and Smith have been collecting clothing and furniture donations for Purple to use when she returns home. Community members have donated clothes and furnishings, and the Nazarene Church provided food supplies. They are still hoping to obtain a queen-sized bed, a chair and a microwave. Smith says that Purple has lost her mobility, so they are also in search of a scooter that can hold 300 pounds. 

Donations may be brought directly to Purples new apartment through July 22; someone is usually there around 3 p.m. each day.