Two Dead In Reedsport House Fire; Woman Jailed On Murder Charges

A Reedsport woman was arrested late Thursday night after authorities said two people died in a house fire on Lower Smith River Road and another person escaped unharmed.

Douglas County 911 received a report shortly before 11 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, of a structure fire in the 27000 block of Lower Smith River Road. Callers told dispatch that people were missing and may still have been inside the home.

When deputies and firefighters arrived, deputies attempted to rescue those inside and were able to pull one person from the burning house. Despite lifesaving efforts, that victim, a 65-year-old, was pronounced dead. A second victim, age 67, was later found inside the residence and also declared dead. Authorities said a third person made it out of the home without injury.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the identities of the two people who died are being withheld until next of kin notifications are completed.

At the scene, deputies detained 41-year-old Pamela Anne Westfall of Reedsport. Investigators said Westfall admitted to intentionally setting the fire inside the home. Early information from investigators indicates the fire followed a disturbance.

Westfall was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• Murder in the First Degree, two counts
• Attempted Murder
• Arson in the First Degree
• Warrant Arrest

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is investigating the case, with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office serving as the lead agency. The team includes investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, and Oregon State Police, in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.

Additional agencies assisting in the investigation included Winchester Bay Fire Department, Reedsport Fire Department, Gardiner Fire Department, Oregon State Police Arson Investigation, Oregon State Police Crime Laboratory, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Reedsport Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 541-440-4471 and reference case number 26-1212.