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@forestgrovefire
At 8:47pm on Monday January 13th, Forest Grove Firefighters were dispatched to a reported barn fire in the 42000 block of SW Vandehey Road in rural Washington County. It was reported flames were seen and animals were still inside, a full structure fire response was dispatched based on this information. Minutes later, crews arrived on scene to find an approximately 2,000 square foot barn with heavy amounts of smoke showing. During initial scene evaluation it was found that a resident of the property was in the barn trying to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. Due to the potential for a rescue situation as well as fire fight, the scene was upgraded to a 2nd Alarm, bringing in additional crews. Crews immediately found the resident and safely evacuated them from the building, crews were then able to start extinguishing the flames after determining no further residents were at risk. It took firefighters approximately 25 minutes to extinguish most of the flames.
Crews remained on scene for over two hours extinguishing hot spots, this was made difficult due to large amount of items stored inside the building. For safety reasons, firefighters cut open the exterior walls and removed the items and debris. Once it was deemed safe, they removed items from the interior. The resident that was inside the structure was evaluated on scene by Paramedics and found to not need further treatment at a hospital. All goats and horses that were in the barn were not harmed. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue wants to remind everyone, not to enter a structure that is on fire, especially to try and extinguish it. Smoke and heat conditions can quickly overcome anyone without proper gear like firefighters wear. Attempting to save property is not worth risking a life.
FGF&R was assisted on scene by Gaston Fire District, Cornelius Fire Department, Banks Fire Department, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Carlton Fire District and Yamhill Fire District.
Scene Information:
Engines - 7
Water Tenders - 5
Chiefs - 3
Supports - 3
Total Personnel - 35
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