A Reedsport woman is in custody on murder charges following a residential house fire Thursday night, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said.
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, shortly before 11:00 p.m., Douglas County 911 received a report of a structure fire in the 27000 block of Lower Smith River Road. Callers reported individuals were unaccounted for and possibly still inside the residence.
Deputies and firefighters responded to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies attempted rescue and located one individual who was pulled from the house. Despite lifesaving efforts, the 65 year old victim was pronounced deceased.
A second victim, aged 67, was also located inside and declared deceased. A third individual was able to escape the residence and was uninjured. Identification of the victims is being withheld pending next of kin notification.
Deputies contacted a female at the scene, identified as 41 year old Pamela Anne Westfall of Reedsport, who was detained. Westfall admitted to intentionally starting the fire inside the residence. Early indications suggest the fire began following a disturbance.
