After examining physical evidence and burn patterns, a fire investigator has determined that this morning’s condominium fire at 4460 SW Scholls Ferry Road near Beaverton was caused by combustibles being placed too close to an electric baseboard heater.
The single male occupant of unit 3A was not home at the time of the fire, and a neighbor called 9-1-1 reporting smoke in the hallway. First-arriving firefighters quickly located and extinguished the fire, preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent units.
Three neighbors experienced respiratory distress and one person was transported to a nearby hospital for additional treatment. Sadly, a dog in the fire unit perished as a result of the fire. Due to the frigid temperatures, the roadway and walkways became very icy from hose lines. Scholls Ferry Road was closed while firefighters fought the fire and mopped up.
Evacuated neighbors kept warm in their vehicles and on a TriMet bus which remained on scene for nearly two hours until smoke was cleared and it was safe for residents to return to their homes. With the exception of the fire unit, no one was displaced as a result of this fire. It’s estimated that nearly $50,000 in damage occurred to the condominium and its contents. The occupant, who is renting the unit, does not have insurance.
“Thanks to an alert neighbor and the quick response of firefighters, this fire did not spread to additional units. It’s yet another reminder, however, that baseboard heaters, fireplaces and space heaters need space. With cold temperatures expected to continue, we want everyone to remember to keep combustibles away from heaters and candles,” states Cassandra Ulven.
