Off-duty Firefighters ‘Fill The Boot’ For Muscular Dystrophy Association (Photo) - 05/29/26

Off-duty Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighters will take to the streets next week to once again Fill the Boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Tualatin Valley Firefighters Union Local 1660 members will ask passing motorists to drop a donation into their fire boots Friday, June 5, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway and Canyon Road on-ramps and off-ramps to Highway 217 in Beaverton.

All funds collected through Tualatin Valley Firefighters Union Local 1660’s 2026 Fill the Boot event support MDA’s life-enhancing programs, including support groups and clinics, and assist families with medical equipment and costs. They also make MDA summer camp possible so kids with muscle diseases can enjoy a week of fun activities while gaining confidence and independence. MDA serves more than 3,800 individuals across Oregon and 6,800 individuals in Washington who are affected by neuromuscular disease.

Since 1954, firefighters have fueled MDA’s mission to find treatments and cures for life-threatening muscle diseases. Muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other related diseases take away people’s ability to walk, move, smile, talk, and even breathe.

To date, the International Association of Fire Fighters has raised more than $721 million for MDA, helping to fund over $1 billion in research.

“For 72 years, firefighters have proudly supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s mission to help families live longer, stronger lives, and I am honored to continue this partnership with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue,” said Amanda Borror, MDA’s director of firefighter partnerships. “Every dollar raised in our community helps fund life-changing research and care that makes a difference for families nationwide.”

Since 2015, TVF&R firefighters have raised more than $425,700 for MDA. This year, TVF&R firefighters hope to raise $27,000 with the generous support of the community.

Local firefighters invite the community to join them in filling the boot for the MDA. Cash and checks made payable to MDA will be accepted at the Beaverton collection event. Secure online donations can also be made by clicking on the following link: Donate Here.

Fire In Woodshop Area Prompts Evacuation At Mountainside High School (Photo) - 05/21/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beaverton, OR — At approximately 9:45 a.m. this morning, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews responded to Mountainside High School following reports of a fire in the school’s woodshop area.

The first arriving crews found black smoke coming from that portion of the building and upgraded the response to a full commercial fire alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.

Firefighters quickly located the main body of fire in the dust collection system connected to the woodshop area. Crews initiated a swift and aggressive fire attack and were able to quickly extinguish the fire before it spread further into the building.

The initial investigation indicates that a belt from a sander may have broken and been pulled into the dust evacuation system, where the majority of the fire occurred. Investigators continue to examine the exact cause of the incident.

Students and staff had already begun evacuating when firefighters arrived, and the school was fully evacuated to the football field as a precaution.

Although the fire itself was contained quickly, smoke from the incident spread into a significant portion of the school. Firefighters conducted extensive ventilation operations to remove smoke from the building and assess affected areas.

Four students were treated on scene by AMR and released without transport or additional treatment required. One firefighter was later transported to a local hospital with a health condition likely caused by smoke inhalation.

Due to smoke and water damage inside the building, classes at Mountainside High School were canceled for the remainder of the day while school officials worked through reunification and recovery efforts.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue appreciates the quick actions of school staff, students, and responding crews that helped ensure a safe outcome.

The incident remains under investigation.