And/or follow our FlashAlerts via TwitterAbout FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Forest Grove Fire & Rescue by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Forest Grove Fire & Rescue to your Twitter account or create one.
This morning around 5:45am, Forest Grove Firefighters responded to a reported residential fire near the intersection of Filbert Street and 21st Avenue. Minutes later, units arrived to a house that was engulfed with flames as well as a carport, shed and multiple trees on fire in the 2000 block of Filbert Street. Firefighters made an attack on the flames from the exterior of the structure and prevented flames from spreading to nearby residences. It was also determined that the house was vacant and had no known occupants living in it. After approximately 25 minutes after the first units arrived on scene, firefighters had knocked down most of the flames.Firefighters were on scene another hour and a half putting out hot spots, both inside the structure as well as outside in the carport and shed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time, but is possibly related to transient use of the property. No firefighters were injured on scene. Pacific Avenue (west bound portion of Highway 8) was closed at Filbert Street for about an hour due to a hose connected to a hydrant, which crossed the road.
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was assisted on scene by Cornelius Fire Department, Gaston Fire District, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Banks Fire District and Forest Grove Police Department.
Scene Information
Engines - 6
Rescue - 1
Chief - 1
Total Personnel - 27
# # #
This afternoon, just before 3:30pm, Forest Grove Firefighters were dispatched to a reported residential fire in the 1600 block of 22nd Avenue. Crews arrived minutes later to find a single story duplex on a long flag lot, it had fire inside one of the units as well as on the exterior in the back of the structure. Firefighters made an attack on the fire in the unit and were able to extinguish the fire inside the unit, but flames had already spread into the attic and spread through the shared attic space. After several minutes of trying to extinguish the fire in the attic, the roof began to collapse, making it unsafe fire firefighters to be inside the structure. At this point firefighters fought the flames from the exterior, also called a defensive attack.
After approximately 35 minutes from originally arriving on scene, crews were able to get most of the flames knocked down. At time of press release (2+ hours into incident), some crews are still on scene putting out hot spots and salvaging items for the occupants. Residents of the duplex were home at the time of the fire, but no one was injured.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but is believed to have started on the exterior of one of the units in a patio type area. Occupants of both units are not able to live in the units and are receiving assistance from Red Cross through our Department Chaplains.
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was assisted on scene by Cornelius Fire Department, Gaston Fire District, Metro West Ambulance, Forest Grove Police and Forest Grove Light & Power.
Incident Information
Total Personnel: 25
Engines: 5
Chiefs: 2
Support Units: 3
Chaplains: 2
# # #