About 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.
@forestgrovefire
This afternoon at 1:20pm, Gaston Firefighters were dispatched to a reported residential fire in the 47000 block of SW South Road, this is about a mile west of the city of Gaston in rural Washington County. While responding to the scene, fire crews were advised that this incident location has residents that are not friendly with responders and that Sheriff Deputies need to respond in first to make sure there was no one hostile at the location. Fire crews arrived in the area and staged about a quarter mile away until deputies could deem the scene was safe, this took less than 10 minutes. While staged away from the scene, it was evident that the structure was on fire and a full first alarm response was requested bringing additional units.
Once able to enter the property, firefighters were met with a downed power line at the entry of the driveway, preventing them from parking closer and having to avoid that section of the property. It was unknown if any residents were in the structure, therefore once flames were knocked down, a search was conducted to look for any occupants. Thankfully no occupants were located. It took approximately 30 minutes to get the fire under control and several hours of putting out hot spots. During the incident, two firefighters were evaluated and treated on scene for heat exhaustion. Due to extended time on scene for hot spots and firefighters with heat injuries, additional resources were requested to the scene.
This incident was located in a rural area with no hydrants readily available, therefore we had to bring water to the scene using Water Tenders. They're large water trucks that carry 3,000 gallons of water. They supply the water to the scene and then go to a hydrant and fill up, and repeat the process until the fire is out. Today's closest fire hydrant was over a half mile away.
The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.
Gaston Fire District was assisted on scene by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Cornelius Fire Department, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Banks Fire District, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Yamhill Fire District, Dundee Fire/Rescue, Metro West Ambulance and Washington County Sheriffs Office.
Incident Information
Engines - 10
Water Tenders - 5
Chiefs - 3
Investigators - 2
Ambulances - 3
Total Fire/Medical Personnel - 53
# # #