Residential fire at NE 21st Ave

At approximately 9:10 pm this evening, firefighters were dispatched by 911 based on multiple calls, to a single detached apartment in the 900 block of NE 21st Avenue on reports of gray smoke and flames on the outside of the home. Some neighbors attempted to put out the fire using garden hoses while other neighbors tried to alert the residents. The incident was upgraded to a first alarm fire to bring additional resources to the scene.

The first engine from Station 5 arrived within four minutes and quickly knocked down the fire. They found that the fire had extended into the attic of the apartment. Crews from Station 2 and Station 6 assisted with fire suppression and search of the homes. Prior to the arrival of the first fire engine, Hillsboro Police officers assisted with evacuating the affected apartment and the adjacent detached apartment units. Firefighters confirmed after a search and talking with the residents that all four adults made it out safely. It was reported that two cats were missing be presumed to have escaped out of a back door. Crews spent additional time on the scene to check for hot spots and assist the residents with salvage of some personal belongings.

A Hillsboro Fire chaplain responded to provide support to the four adults living in the home. American Red Cross was dispatched to provide victim assistance. No injuries were reported.

A Hillsboro Fire Investigator responded to the incident and determined that cause of the fire was improper disposal of smoking materials.

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue was assisted by Hillsboro Police and Metro West Ambulance.

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