Portland Couple Identified as Victims in Newport Motel Inferno

A couple from Portland were identified as two of the four people who were were killed in a fire that tore through a motel in Newport on Friday. Several others were injured and dozens forced to flee.

The first two bodies were found in a room around 4 p.m. The fire is believed to have started in that room.

They were identified Monday as 63-year-old Allen Arthur Hepner and 51-year-old Tammi Sue Hepner of Portland. They had been staying in room 220.

The other two bodies were found about four hours later in room 221. They have been identified as 64-year-old Danny Keith Shoemaker and 60-year-old Sandra Sue Shoemaker of Springfield. They were staying in room 221.

Investigators have determined that the fire started in room 103 on the first floor. The fire burned up to the second floor, blocking the exit for the two couples. The second floor then collapsed onto the first.

Firefighters were called to the Newport City Center Motel on Highway 101 around 6 a.m. Friday.

Firefighters arrived to find the motel fully engulfed in flames.

More than 50 people were evacuated. Three people were treated and released at Good Samaritan Hospital. A fourth was flown to the burn center at Legacy Emanuel in Portland.

Guests at the Days Inn Hotel, just south of the motel, were also evacuated as the fire spread.

Temporary shelter was established at the Newport Armory. Red Cross responded to the scene to assist with displaced guests. Highway 101 was closed and traffic diverted around the fire scene.

In addition to the Newport Fire Department, there were units on scene from Toledo, Depoe Bay, North Lincoln, Seal Rock, Waldport and Yachats.

The investigation into the cause of the fire and the search for other victims continues.

Photos courtesy Newport Police Department