A homeowner in Tigard was transported to the hospital after attempting to extinguish a fire near his home’s water heater on Tuesday afternoon. A resident of the home at 9645 SW Brentwood Place called 911 to report a fire in a utility room. When dispatchers advised the resident to leave the house, one of the home’s occupants remained inside and continued to try to extinguish the fire. The resident told 911 dispatchers that he had been trying to fight the fire for several minutes before calling for help.
A fire investigator has determined that the fire was likely caused by combustibles that were too close to a water heater. The cover at the base of the water heater was missing, which exposed contents of the room to an open flame. The fire caused an estimated $95,000 in damage.
TVF&R firefighters would like to remind that public that when 911 dispatchers advise you to leave your home, they are doing so for your safety. Investigators also say this fire is a good reminder to make sure you have an area around your water heater that is free of combustibles. Water heaters should not be operated without their appropriate safety covers.
