Multi-Unit Residential Fire Displaces Eight Adults, Five Children (Photo) - 01/23/26

At 4:24 a.m. early this morning, Washington County 911 received a report of a residential fire in a multi-unit complex in the 100 block of NW Bailey Avenue in Hillsboro. The caller indicated that some people were evacuating, but they didn’t know what was on fire or how far the fire had spread. Additional neighbors in the complex called to report a fire and visible smoke coming from one of the apartment units; they, too, were evacuating, with smoke alarms audible in the background. A Hillsboro Police officer who arrived on scene shortly after the first 911 call reported that some residents had evacuated safely and that fire was now evident from the back of the apartment complex, burning through the windows. The fire was upgraded to a first alarm to bring additional firefighters and resources to the incident.

The first arriving fire engine and rescue unit from Station 1 entered the apartment on fire to locate and extinguish the fire and minimize its spread to other units. Additional firefighters began searching in the adjacent units for victims and to ensure no one was still inside. Shortly after 4:30 a.m., another 911 call reported a second residential fire about one block from this active incident. The incident commander requested one of the incoming fire engine crews to redirect to that location and assess the report. Firefighters on Engine 3 arrived at the second address and confirmed that there was no second fire and that the reported flames and smoke were actually coming from the original address and were visible from the nearby location.

Firefighters reported heavy fire and smoke conditions inside the affected apartment. They also reported that a sub-basement level existed beneath the entire four-unit complex and that precautions should be taken about structural stability.

At approximately 4:48 a.m., there was a report that there may be a victim inside the affected apartment on fire. Firefighters thoroughly searched all the units and floors and verified that all residents were safely evacuated. Although no injuries were reported, one person was assessed by paramedics on the scene. After firefighters knocked down the main part of the fire, they continued searching for and extinguishing hot spots throughout the entire complex.

Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains responded to the incident to provide aid and support to the residents. In total, eight adults and five children were displaced because of the fire. The American Red Cross was requested to aid the displaced residents.  

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue fire investigators responded to the incident, and a fire investigation is ongoing. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.  

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue reminds everyone that working smoke alarms save lives.

• Ensure that you have a smoke alarm on every floor of your home and one in every sleeping area.
• Test your smoke alarm regularly and practice your home escape plan.
• Once you and your family are outside at your meeting place, call 911 from a safe location away from the fire.

Thanks to Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Cornelius Fire Department, Hillsboro Police, AMR Ambulance, Portland General Electric, NW Natural Gas, Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains, and the American Red Cross, who assisted at the incident.

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