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After conducting an investigation, it is determined that breezy conditions likely blew embers from a nearby burn pile into the barn, causing contents inside to catch fire. We want to remind citizens, when allowed to burn yard debris, never leave the burn pile unattended and always have a shovel and hose ready to use.
At 3:24pm on Monday March 27th, Cornelius Fire Department was dispatched to a reported barn fire in the area of 36785 NW Long Road, approximately a mile north of the Cornelius city limits. Firefighters arrived approximately 5 minutes after being dispatched to find a large 2 story barn fully engulfed with fire, they immediately stretched hose lines to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
With the location being in the rural area without fire hydrants, we had to utilize water tenders to bring our water to the scene. This initially slow the attack on the flames until enough units arrived on scene from partnering agencies. It took fire crews approximately an hour to extinguish the majority of the fire. Firefighters spent several additional hours working on cooling down hot spots, this task had to be done from the exterior and at a safe distance due to an unstable roof. The roof portion of the structure eventually collapsed. At the time of release, firefighters are on scene and will remain on scene throughout the night watching the scene. There will likely be smoke seen in the area.
No firefighters or citizens were injured on scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The barn is approximately 100 years old and was built sometime around 1910.
Cornelius Fire Department was assisted on scene by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Gaston Fire District, Banks Fire District, Metro West Ambulance and Washington County Sheriffs Office.
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