TVF&R Saves Pets in House Fire

On Thursday, November 12th, at 4:33 pm, TVF&R firefighters were called to a house fire at 14425 SW 87th Court, Tigard. While enroute, firefighters were told by 9-1-1 dispatchers that neighbors were indicating there may still be a young man inside the home. First-arriving firefighters forced the front door and encountered heavy black smoke on both levels of the home.  Armed with hoselines, they began searching the home for occupants and looking for the main body of fire.  Although crews were able to quickly confirm that all family members had escaped the smoke-filled home, firefighters found the family’s Golden Retriever and two cats overcome by smoke. They were rescued and successfully resuscitated on scene by firefighters using pet resuscitation kits. These kits were purchased in 2007 thanks to several community donations and are carried on TVF&R’s command units.  A pet rat was rescued as well.

Firefighters had the fire–which had spread throughout the home’s basement and portions of the upstairs–under control within 15 minutes of arrival. Fire Investigators believe the fire to have started in the home’s downstairs laundry room. The most probable cause is an electrical outlet that shorted, igniting nearby combustibles. Damage is estimated at $30,000 to the home valued at approximately $150,000. Tigard Police Department assisted with traffic control and transported the family’s dog to a nearby emergency treatment center.