Remains Found in Board Shanty Fire Believed to Be Missing Woman

Near Grants Pass,Oregon- — Authorities say human remains found in the aftermath of a July 17 house fire in rural Oregon are believed to be those of a missing woman, though positive identification is pending DNA testing.

The fire broke out around 5:06 p.m. in the 2200 block of Board Shanty Creek Road, destroying a residence, several RVs and vehicles before spreading into nearby wildland, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office said Friday. Local and wildland firefighters worked to contain the flames as deputies assisted with traffic control and prepared for potential evacuations.

The following day, fire crews and deputies discovered what appeared to be human remains in the burnt structure. Because of the unknown circumstances, the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, the State Medical Examiner’s Office, the State Fire Marshal and an arson investigator joined local officials at the scene. Investigators believe the remains are those of Sarah Caron, a woman who lived at the home and was reported missing by friends after the fire.

Caron’s family has been notified, but confirmation of identity will await the results of DNA analysis, officials said. Determining the cause of death may be difficult due to the fire’s intensity.

No other homes were lost in the blaze, and no other people are known to be missing in connection with the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Undersheriff Travis Snyder said no further details are being released at this time.