TVF&R Blog

Burning to Learn: TVF&R Trains Recruit Firefighters During House Burn

ulvenc — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:49:48 +0000

Residents in the Beaverton area may see smoke rising from the Cedar Mill area tomorrow afternoon as recruit firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue practice firefighting techniques in a home that was donated by Cedar Mill Bible Church.

Veteran training officers will set a series of small fires inside the structure to demonstrate fire behavior to recruit firefighters. The recruits will practice searching for victims in a hot, smoky environment while extinguishing the fires. After several hours of training rotations, firefighters will set a final fire and the home will be allowed to burn to the ground. Traffic should not be impacted during the exercise.

“Training opportunities like these are rare and extremely valuable. They provide an authentic environment to ensure that our newest firefighters are prepared to respond to emergencies in our community,” says TVF&R Training Officer Matt Laas. “Drilling with live fire at our training facility is one way we teach new firefighters, but there is no substitute for the sights, sounds and intensity of a fully-involved structure fire.”

Stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter on May 9 for live updates from the fire scene.

Firefighters Respond to a Truck in a Tree

eubanksk — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:56:48 +0000

This morning Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue was called to the scene of a pickup truck in a tree at Highway 99 and Middleton Road near Sherwood. When crews arrived they found the truck approximately 10 feet up off the ground. Firefighters used thermal imagers to scan the vehicle and the surrounding area around the tree to confirm that the truck was empty and the driver and/or passenger(s) had not been ejected during the crash. The thermal imagers did not pick up any heat ‘signatures,’ suggesting that it had been some time since the crash. A PGE lineman in a boom truck further validated that the truck was empty.

The details of how the truck came to rest in the tree remains a mystery at this time. The first 9-1-1 call reporting the situation was 7:33 am when TVF&R responded, and a call to Providence Newberg Hospital revealed no patients overnight or early this morning related to a crash.

Anderson Towing and Recovery is assessing the operations needed to remove the truck, and PGE is on scene due to safety concerns over a power line near the tree.

Vehicle Accident Causes Damage to King City Apartments

nokest — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:23:52 +0000

TVF&R fire crews from King City along with King City Police were called to a report of a car crash involving a car into the side of a building at 12240 SW Imperial Avenue this morning at 7:48am. Upon arrival the firefighters found that the driver of a passenger car driven by a local resident had accidently pushed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to impact the side of the apartment building. The impact of the car broke glass and caused structural damage including broken water pipes. Firefighters evaluated the building for structural stability, and were able to shut water off to the building eliminating any further damage being caused to the resident’s personal property. Adjoining apartment units were evacuated for a short time while firefighters assessed the building for damage. The driver of the vehicle was not injured in the crash, and there were no reports of injury to occupants inside the apartment. The apartment management called for building engineers to respond and evaluate the structure for needed repairs. According to TVF&R Captain Troy Spisla, “Luckily in this incident no one was hurt. The impact could have been devastating had someone been in the bedroom where the car struck.”

Quick Action by Firefighters Limits Damage to Tualatin Storage Facility

nokest — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:48:08 +0000

Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue were dispatched shortly before 1:00pm to a report of a commercial fire at 6725 SW Bradbury Ct. in Tualatin. Multiple callers to the Washington County 911 center indicated heavy smoke in the area of the Golden Key Mini Storage. First-arriving firefighters reported heavy smoke coming from the center of the storage facility. Once inside the facility, firefighters reported smoke and flames from at least one unit, with several surrounding units threatened by fire. Difficult access to the complex forced firefighters to stretch several hose lines by hand into the complex. Firefighters also had to remove the contents from several units. TVF&R firefighters were assisted on scene by firefighters from the Lake Oswego fire department.

It took approximately 20 minutes for the 25 firefighters on scene to bring the fire under control, and fire damage was limited to four units in the complex. There were several surrounding units that sustained heat and smoke damage. There were no injuries, and TVF&R fire investigators are currently working to determine a cause of the fire. The owners of the storage facility will be working to contact individuals whose units were affected.

No damage estimate is available at this time. It was reported that the building was insured.

Multiple Agencies Respond to Residential Fire

Vattimo — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 04:02:09 +0000

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, along with Washington County Fire District 2, Banks Fire Department, Hillsboro Fire and Rescue, and Scappoose Fire District responded to a house fire in the 25000 block of NW Dixie Mountain Road at approximately 3:40 pm today.

Initial calls to 9-1-1 indicated the residence was engulfed in flames. First arriving crews found the structure fully involved. Water Tenders from Washington County Fire District 2, Banks Fire Department, and Scappoose Fire District were utilized to bring water to the scene due to the structure being located in a remote area with no municipal water system (hydrants).

The residents were not home at the time and it was later determined that several dogs perished inside the structure.

The 1800 square foot house is considered a total loss. As soon as the structure is deemed safe to enter, investigators will begin processing the scene for a cause.

CPR Recognition

Vattimo — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:34:22 +0000

Recognition Event:

April 17, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Washington Square Mall, Summit Conference Room
(Second floor, off the food court, at the Mall Office entrance)
Media are welcome to attend

On March 12, 2013, at approximately 12:46 pm, a 92-year old WWII veteran and his son were visiting the Washington Square Mall in Tigard when the elderly gentleman suffered a cardiac arrest. Fortunately, several people rushed to the patient’s side to render aid. Within seconds of his collapse, calls were made to 9-1-1, security personnel grabbed their Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), and several citizens provided life-saving CPR until TVF&R paramedics arrived and began advanced medical treatment.

TVF&R Chief Mark Stevens states, “Even though our paramedics arrived in less than five minutes to provide advanced life support, the CPR that was administered by these citizens prior to our arrival was a key component to this patient being revived.”

Ordinary citizens came to the aid of a stranger that day – and by administering early CPR, they bought him precious time. After a few days in ICU, the patient was able to spend quality time with his family before his unfortunate passing on March 17^th. It is for their selfless actions that the following people will be formally recognized on April 17^th.

CPR Providers*: Derek Osting and Dr. Steven Urman

Mall Security: Brad Fischer, Eric Mangle, Ralph Bentley, and Sean Ward

*An additional citizen provided early CPR but left the scene before their name and contact information could be obtained.

Every year, over 300,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest, many before ever reaching a hospital. When citizens are willing and able to provide early CPR and AEDs are readily available, the chances of a patient surviving a cardiac event are increased. TVF&R strongly supports AEDs in targeted public areas where large numbers of people gather such as schools, health clubs, community centers, office complexes and shopping centers such as Washington Square. Jonae Armstrong, Senior Property Manager at Washington Square states, “At Washington Square our guests and retailers are always a top priority and we go the extra mile to ensure we are prepared to assist in any situation that may arise. Our team members are trained and certified in CPR and AEDs every year.”

If you have a public access AED at your facility, please email us at aed@tvfr.com to ensure your location is in our database.

TVF&R recently became the first fire department in Oregon to offer a free mobile phone app called PulsePoint that alerts subscribers to a cardiac arrest if it occurs in a public place within ¼ mile radius of their location. To learn more about PulsePoint, visit www.tvfr.com.

Springtime Brings Window Fall Concerns

eubanksk — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:17:53 +0000

Annually, in the United States approximately 3,300 children under the age of 6 are injured by falls from windows. In Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s service area, firefighters respond to approximately a dozen incidents each year. Most of these incidents occur during the spring and summer months when windows are open for cooling and ventilation. Although most of children treated by TVF&R are not critically injured due to falling upon shrubs and grass, there has been at least one child who has suffered a physical and/or neurological impairment.

Nationally, most window falls occur between the months of May and September and involve children under the age of four. Many of these incidents had parents or caregivers who had just left the room for a moment.

To help prevent a window fall, TVF&R recommends the following:

Don’t rely on window screens to prevent a fall. Window screens are designed to keep bugs out, not children in. Keep windows closed and locked when not in use.
Keep furniture, and anything else a child can climb on, away from windows.
Stop at 4. Install safety devices such as window guards or stops to keep windows from opening more than four inches. NOTE: Windows serve as a secondary means of escape during a fire. Ensure windows can be easily opened in an emergency. Individuals interested in purchasing safety products can find them at the Falk Ace Hardware Store located at 4285 S.W. Cedar Hills Boulevard in Beaverton.
When building a home or remodeling, consider installing windows with safety features such as Mercer Windows with the Little Tot Window Opening Control Device (LTD).

Never try to move a child who appears to be seriously injured after a fall — call 9-1-1 and let emergency responders provide aid.

For more information about window fall prevention, visit www.stopat4.com.

200+ Whitford Middle School Students Will Learn Life-Saving CPR

Vattimo — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:18:28 +0000

TVF&R and Beaverton Schools Health Careers Program Partner to Teach Hands-Only CPR at Whitford Middle School

Media is invited to attend on Wednesday, April 10th, 2:30-3:30. Whitford Middle School Gymnasium, 7935 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Beaverton.

In a unique partnership between Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and several high school students from the Beaverton Health Careers Program, nearly 200 eighth grade students at Whitford Middle School will be trained next week in Hands-Only CPR. Using portable mannequins donated by TVF&R, each of those 200+ eighth graders will commit to teaching five friends and family members in this life-saving skill. Learning Hands-Only CPR helps kids become aware of the needs of others, provides them with pride in teaching others, and empowers them to help save a life.

Paula Jacobs with the Beaverton Health Careers Program states, “I am so excited that our Health Career students have been given this opportunity – it’s a win for them, the Whitford students, TVF&R, and most importantly our community.“

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responds to more than 1,000 cardiac related calls every year. Over the past several years survival rates for cardiac arrest in TVF&R’s service area have ranged between 11 and 22 percent, surpassing the national average.

Knowing how to perform Hands-Only CPR is just the first step. TVF&R recently became the first fire department in Oregon to utilize a mobile app called PulsePoint that will notify subscribers of a cardiac arrest in a public place within ¼ mile radius of the subscriber. TVF&R EMS Chief Mark Stevens states, “Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime. If CPR is provided right away, it doubles or triples the survival rate – a cardiac victim’s survival depends on the people around them.” For more information on PulsePoint, check out this informative video (PulsePoint Video).

More information on Hands-Only CPR can be found at www.tvfr.com.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue provides fire protection and emergency medical services to approximately 440,000 citizens in one of the fastest growing regions in Oregon. Our 210 square mile service area includes nine cities and unincorporated portions of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington County. Citizens served by TVF&R benefit from the services of a large metropolitan fire department, while paying one of the lowest fire-protection tax rates in the region.

Beaverton School District is nationally recognized for its high student and staff achievement and innovative programs. Beaverton is the third largest school district in Oregon with 51 schools, nearly 40,000 students and 4,300 talented staff. Beaverton schools are dedicated to providing outstanding, challenging educational opportunities that prepare students to be college and career ready. The district enjoys strong community support with parents, citizens, community partners and businesses donating countless volunteer hours and services to help students succeed.

Heating Lamps to blame in three separate fires this past week in TVF&R’s jurisdiction

nokest — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:37:04 +0000

TVF&R fire investigators report that heat lamps are to blame for the cause of three separate fires in one week. These lamps, often used to provide heat for small areas that shelter live animals, can be dangerous if used improperly. The fires caused several thousand dollars in damage to the three structures involved, and destroyed a small storage shed.

TVF&R Deputy Fire Marshal Jeremy Foster -who investigated all three incidents- stated, “The common cause in these three fires was the close placement of heat lamps to combustible materials. When using these types of heating lamps, it’s very important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, particularly regarding placement.” In all of the incidents the lamps were being used for keeping animals warm. Unfortunately, several baby chicks perished. A turtle survived with only a scorch mark on its shell.

According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, electrical equipment, including heating lamps and bulbs, are responsible for about 5,000 home fires and 60 fire deaths each year in the United States. For more information on keeping your family safe from fire, visit TVF&R on the web at www.tvfr.com

Firefighters Battle House Fire; Treat Patients On Scene

eubanksk — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:27:09 +0000

INCIDENT PHOTOS on TVF&R’s Facebook

At 12:49 pm, TVF&R firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at 10060 S.W. Tigard Street in Tigard. Neighbors calling the 9-1-1 center reported heavy flames and black smoke coming from the upper stories and roof of the home. Firefighters from the downtown Tigard fire station, who were on scene within four minutes of dispatch, confirmed heavy black smoke and flames from the rear of the residence. Firefighters encountered several occupants who stated that everyone had escaped from the home safely. Despite that information, firefighters conducted an interior search of the residence to verify that there were no victims still inside. Shortly after completing their search, firefighters received what they deemed to be credible information that the residence was associated with the use, or possible manufacturing of Methamphetamine. This information, along with the heavy volume of fire throughout the structure, prompted the incident commander to order a defensive (exterior) fire attack. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within 20 minutes of their arrival.

During the initial course of their investigation, TVF&R fire investigators learned that three residents of the home jumped to safety from the second floor of the residence. It was reported by the residents that the smoke and fire was too heavy to escape through the interior of the home, causing them to escape from a second story bedroom window. One of the residents, who suffers from a medical condition, had to be helped out of the window by other occupants of the home. Another resident suffered a minor injury as the result of jumping from the window, and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

TVF&R fire investigators, assisted by Tigard Police Department, remain on scene and are working to determine the cause of the fire. The house is considered a total loss; no damage estimate is available at this time. The American Red Cross has been called in to assist the homeowner with temporary housing placement.

~ TN