Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue have been busy today battling three fires that broke out between 4:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. No one was injured and two of the three fires are under investigation.

The first fire was reported just [...]]]>

Firefighters douse hot spots at a structure fire on Clark Hill Road

Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue have been busy today battling three fires that broke out between 4:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. No one was injured and two of the three fires are under investigation.

The first fire was reported just before 4:00 a.m. at 17289 NW Countryridge Drive in the Rock Creek area. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. Firefighters quickly determined no one was inside the home and worked to keep the wind driven fire from spreading to surrounding structures. The house was seriously damaged and investigators are working to find a cause of the fire.

Firefighters work to extinguish a small brush fire near King City

The second fire was reported at 10:46 a.m. on Highway 99 near the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge. A property owner had been intentionally burning blackberry  bushes on his property near the road when wind unexpectedly fanned the flames and caused them to spread to a nearby field. People driving on Highway 99 called 911 reporting large flames moving towards a nearby home. Firefighters from TVF&R’s King City Station 35 arrived minutes later and, with the help of TVF&R Engine 50, firefighters were able to stop the flames before they spread to a nearby home.

“Even in the winter, the grass is dry enough to burn,” says TVF&R Public Information Officer Brian Barker, “combine this unusual dry spell with the wind we’re getting today and you have a recipe for fast moving fires. This is a good reminder to use extreme caution with fire year round.”

TVF&R’s third fire of the day was reported at 1:00 at 9400 SW Clark Hill Road in Washington County. A property owner called 911 reporting that a greenhouse was on fire. Firefighters from TVF&R’s Aloha and Beaverton fire stations arrived minutes later to find a 20 foot by 40 foot structure on fire. Firefighters quickly determined that no one was in the burning building and focused on ensuring the flames didn’t spread to nearby vegetation. Because there are no fire hydrants in the area, TVF&R was assisted by a water tender from Washington County Fire District 2. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue firefighters have been busy today responding to and extinguishing a residential fire this morning and a commercial fire this afternoon.

The first fire was reported at 11:30 this morning at 12715 SW Conestoga Drive in Beaverton. [...]]]>

Firefighters coordinate their activities after extinguishing a fire inside a home in Beaverton

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue firefighters have been busy today responding to and extinguishing a residential fire this morning and a commercial fire this afternoon.

The first fire was reported at 11:30 this morning at 12715 SW Conestoga Drive in Beaverton. Firefighters arrived to find smoke in a home at that address. After quickly ensuring no one was in the home, they located a small fire burning in a crawl space beneath the home. Despite close quarters beneath the home, firefighters were able to stop the fire from causing significant damage to any rooms in the home. Fire damage was confined to a small area beneath the floor. No one was injured.

Firefighters from King City and Tualatin extinguished a fire in a commercial facility in Tualatin

Less than two hours later, TVF&R firefighters responded to another fire in a commercial sandblasting facility at 10000 SW Herman Road in Tualatin. Firefighters from Tualatin and King City quickly located and extinguished a small fire inside the facility that had generated a moderate amount of smoke in the building. TVF&R fire investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature and was caused by a part of the sandblasting process the business uses. No one was injured and damage was minimal.

TVF&R is investigating a fire in a bathroom at West Linn High School. One staff member at the school was transported to Willamette Falls Hospital to be evaluated after inhaling smoke.

Firefighters from TVF&R’s Bolton Station 58 were dispatched to West Linn High School at 11:01 after a fire was reported in [...]]]>

TVF&R is investigating a fire in a bathroom at West Linn High School. One staff member at the school was transported to Willamette Falls Hospital to be evaluated after inhaling smoke.

Firefighters from TVF&R’s Bolton Station 58 were dispatched to West Linn High School at 11:01 after a fire was reported in the bathroom. Firefighters arrived to find the school evacuated and smoke in the building. Firefighters quickly made their way to the bathroom and ensured that the fire was out while other firefighters evaluated one employee who had inhaled smoke while extinguishing the fire. The employee was transported to Willamette Falls Hospital for precautionary reasons.

Firefighters determined that the fire did not spread to the rest of the building. It took more than an hour for firefighters from TVF&R and Clackamas Fire to successfully clear smoke from the building using fans and the building’s HVAC system. 

A TVF&R investigator is working with West Linn Police to determine the cause of the fire.

Heavy rain has resulted in standing water on roads and highways and concerns about rivers, creeks, and culverts flooding. This morning Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews responded to several crashes in which the standing water may have been to blame. With heavy rains expected throughout the week and weekend, Tualatin Valley [...]]]>

Heavy rain has resulted in standing water on roads and highways and concerns about rivers, creeks, and culverts flooding. This morning Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews responded to several crashes in which the standing water may have been to blame. With heavy rains expected throughout the week and weekend, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s Water Rescue Team advises the following tips for your safety:

• Slow down. Rain decreases visibility and increases stopping distances.
• Drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles must remember that they are not immune from hydroplaning on wet surfaces. SUVs are just as likely to lose traction as any other vehicle.
• Do not walk or drive through flooded areas. Less than six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Motorists should heed all “Road Closed” signs and not attempt to cross any standing or moving water that looks more than a few inches deep. It doesn’t take much water to cause a car’s engine to stall or cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Cars, including heavy trucks, can get swept away in less than two feet of swift water.
• If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely.

Individuals concerned about localized flooding near their home or business are reminded that sandbags are available at various sites in Washington and Clackamas County. To see a list of sites, visit TVF&R’s website at www.tvfr.com or www.tvfr.com/safetytips/emer_prep/Sandbags.aspx.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s Water Rescue Team is based in West Linn at Fire Station 59. The team consists of 12 firefighters who are stationed permanently at that station, and six additional associate team members. The team responds as part of the Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium consisting of several fire departments and sheriff offices that protect the water ways in the tri-county area. Team members excel in swift water rescue, advanced boat operations, and (SCUBA) dive support. TVF&R’s team utilizes various tools to perform its tasks including a 23 ft. Motion Marine jet boat.

3 adults and their 3 dogs are without a home this afternoon after a fast moving fire gutted their manufactured home in Washington County. A neighbor called 911 just after 12:30 pm reporting seeing flames inside a residence at 17725 SW Independence Way. Firefighters en route to the call could see a [...]]]>

3 adults and their 3 dogs are without a home this afternoon after a fast moving fire gutted their manufactured home in Washington County. A neighbor called 911 just after 12:30 pm reporting seeing flames inside a residence at 17725 SW Independence Way. Firefighters en route to the call could see a large column of smoke as they approached.

Upon arrival, firefighters worked quickly to search the home and look for anyone inside while additional arriving firefighters attacked the flames and established a water supply. No one was inside the home. Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue were assisted by firefighters from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue as they worked quickly to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to surrounding homes.

No one was injured. The fire’s cause is under investigation.

Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue quickly extinguished a fire at a home in Aloha, despite the fact that flames had spread into the attic. No one was injured.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene after a nearby resident called 911 reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from 3115 SW 170th [...]]]>

Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue quickly extinguished a fire at a home in Aloha, despite the fact that flames had spread into the attic. No one was injured.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene after a nearby resident called 911 reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from 3115 SW 170th Avenue in Aloha. Firefighters from TVF&R Station 67 arrived minutes later to find 20 foot flames coming from the roof of a one story home. They quickly forced their way into the home and determined that no one was inside. It appeared that the house was vacant. As more firefighters arrived at the scene, firefighters pulled hose lines and began attacking the flames. Within minutes, firefighters had extinguished the bulk of the fire and began working to knock down hot spots.

As water from fire operations began to pool on 170th Avenue, it began to freeze and the roadway became very slick. A battalion chief on scene called for a Washington County sanding truck to make the road safe for driving.

A team of TVF&R fire investigators is working to determine the cause of the fire.

An old wood stove ignited a large stack of newspapers and magazines in a wicker basket and caused this morning’s fire at a winery in Sherwood. A TVF&R investigator made the determination this afternoon after examining the scene of the fire on Ladd Hill Road and interviewing people involved with the business. The [...]]]>

An old wood stove ignited a large stack of newspapers and magazines in a wicker basket and caused this morning’s fire at a winery in Sherwood. A TVF&R investigator made the determination this afternoon after examining the scene of the fire on Ladd Hill Road and interviewing people involved with the business. The investigator estimates the damage at $225,000. No one was injured, but unfortunately two cats perished in the fire.

Firefighters were called to the business at 27015 SW Ladd Hill Road near Sherwood at 1:20 a.m. Friday and encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from a large metal building. The building was separated into three sections and one of those sections, containing a wine tasting room, was fully engulfed. Despite a lack of fire hydrants in the area, firefighters were able to aggressively attack the flames and keep the fire from spreading to the rest of the structure.

After a thorough investigation of the scene and extensive interviews, a TVF&R investigator has determined that the fire started because combustibles were stacked too close to a wood stove. A wicker basket had been packed full of newspapers and magazines and was placed next to the stove.

 ”It is so important that people remember to keep anything that can burn three feet away from any stove, heater, baseboard heater, fireplace or anything else you might use to stay warm,” says TVF&R Public Information Officer Brian Barker, “this is a good reminder to check your home or business. Look for any furniture, paper, wood or other combustibles that may be close to whatever you use to heat your home.”

TVF&R offers the following tips on the safe use of heating sources:

• If using a fireplace or woodstove, check to ensure the flue is unobstructed and the damper is open. Always use a tight-fitting fireplace screen or glass doors to contain burning embers.
• Keep a close eye on your fire and keep it manageable. A fire that grows too large and hot can result in a chimney fire. Also, ensure your fire is extinguished before going to bed or leaving your home.
• Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire.
• Keep combustible materials (Christmas tree, furniture, paper, etc.) at least three feet away from fireplaces, woodstoves, and all heating devices.
• Ashes can rekindle and start a fire. Wait several days before cleaning out your fireplace or woodstove or dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, placed outside your home.
• Candles are a fire hazard – use only flashlights, battery-operated lanterns, and light sticks as emergency lighting in your home.
• Never use outdoor equipment including propane or kerosene heaters or charcoal barbecues inside a home due to the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that claims hundreds of lives every year.
• Gas-fueled generators must be used outside in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using a generator.
• Check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working and install a carbon monoxide detector as a precaution.

TVF&R has extinguished a fast moving fire in a large metal garage type building near Sherwood. No one was injured.

Firefighters were dispatched to 27015 SW Ladd Hill Road at 1:20 am after a resident called 911 reporting a fire in an out building on his property. Firefighters arrived to find large [...]]]>

TVF&R has extinguished a fast moving fire in a large metal garage type building near Sherwood. No one was injured.

Firefighters were dispatched to 27015 SW Ladd Hill Road at 1:20 am after a resident called 911 reporting a fire in an out building on his property. Firefighters arrived to find large flames shooting from a metal building containing a wine tasting room and garage.

Although there are no fire hydrants in the area, a rapid, well planned effort to attack the flames and shuttle water to the scene allowed firefighters to stop the fire before it spread beyond the building’s wine tasting room. The fire scene was made more dangerous for firefighters this morning because ice formed anywhere water collected. Fortunately no one was injured. Sadly, a cat belonging to the property owner perished.

The cause of tonight’s fire is under investigation.

Roughly 40 firefighters, including TVF&R volunteers and water tenders from Washington County Fire District 2 and Newberg responded to the fire.

Firefighters from TVF&R’s Tigard Station 51 were dispatched to a two vehicle rollover crash this evening at 5:10 p.m. Police officers who arrived on scene reported [...]]]> TVF&R extricated one female patient from a rolled over SUV on Highway 217 northbound at Greenburg Road this evening. She was transported to OHSU with non life threatening injuries.

Firefighters from TVF&R’s Tigard Station 51 were dispatched to a two vehicle rollover crash this evening at 5:10 p.m. Police officers who arrived on scene reported that two SUVs had rolled over and at least one patient was trapped inside her vehicle. Because of the multiple vehicles and patients involved, a TVF&R Battalion Chief upgraded the response to a 2nd Alarm Medical call. The 2nd alarm brings more firefighters and extrication equipment to the scene.

When firefighters arrived, they quickly worked to ensure the scene was safe and then determine the number of patients and the severity of their injuries. They found one patient with minor injuries and another who was trapped in her vehicle. The female driver of the vehicle was extricated from her vehicle and transported to OHSU by Metro West Ambulance with non life threatening injuries.

Highway 217 northbound was closed at Greenburg Road for more than an hour.

TVF&R dispatched multiple fire units to the scene in order to quickly and efficiently care for the injured and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

“On a crash scene such as this, there are many tasks that are performed simultaneously by firefighter/paramedics,” says TVF&R Public Information Officer Brian Barker, “they’re working to treat injured patients, stabilize the vehicle so it doesn’t pose a hazard to the patients inside or the firefighters working around the vehicles, extricate the  patients from vehicles and monitoring potential hazards like fire, traffic, downed power lines.”

TVF&R’s paramedics and EMTs frequently respond to incidents like the crash this evening. Approximately 80% of TVF&R’s calls for service are medical emergencies. Over 60% of our responders are Paramedics who can administer many of the same procedures and medications found in an emergency room, including intravenous drugs, advanced airway procedures and sophisticated cardiac monitors that can ‘shock’ a heart back to life.

Tigard Police are investigating the cause of tonight’s crash.