Date: Monday, Dec. 2, 2024

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: TVF&R Training Center, 12400 SW Tonquin Rd, Sherwood, OR 97140

RSVP To: Public Information Officer, 503-259-1111

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) is inviting local media to a live demonstration of the fire hazards posed by dry Christmas trees. During this demonstration, firefighters will ignite a dry Christmas tree under controlled conditions to showcase how quickly it can be engulfed in flames. This visual event highlights the importance of tree safety, including watering Christmas trees daily and keeping them away from heat sources such as candles, space heaters, and fireplaces.

“Every year, Christmas tree fires cause millions of dollars in property damage and can even be deadly,” Deputy Fire Marshal Stephanie McKee, said. “We don’t want to see anyone’s holiday season ruined by an unexpected fire that could be prevented with a few simple safety measures.” 

Media are invited to attend the live Christmas tree fire demonstration and interview Deputy McKee regarding holiday safety advice. Please RSVP to pio@tvfr.com if your organization plans to attend. 

Key Safety Tips for Holiday Trees:

• Water Your Tree: A well-watered tree is far less likely to catch fire than a dry one.
• Check Lights and Wires: Inspect holiday lights for fraying or damage and avoid overloading electrical outlets.
• Keep Away from Heat Sources: Ensure your tree is placed at least three feet away from any heat source.
• Dispose of Trees Properly: Once the holidays are over, promptly recycle or dispose of dry trees to reduce fire risk.

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At 7:33 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Lake Oswego Fire Department were called to an apartment building in the 6100 block of Southwest Bonita Road on reports of a fire involving a downstairs unit and spreading to the unit above.

Crews arrived to find heavy fire in the lower unit with smoke and flames coming out of two additional units. Firefighters initiated a quick attack on the fire while conducting a search of the three involved units. Crews confirmed there were no occupants in any of the units. The fire extended into the building's attic space, requiring crews to work for an extended period to gain access to hotspots.

One firefighter was injured during the fire and transported for further care and has since been released.

A fire investigator responded to the scene and determined that an electric motorcycle located in the ground-level unit had been popping and smoking from the battery pack. The motorcycle was not being charged at the time. The battery eventually erupted into flames, causing rapid fire growth.

As a result of the fire, several adjacent units became uninhabitable due to smoke and water damage, and nine people were displaced in total.

TVF&R was also assisted on scene by Lake Oswego Police, American Medical Response, and Portland General Electric.

Images and videos provided by Lake Oswego Fire Department.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Clackamas Fire District #1, and Red Cross Cascades Region are teaming up to hold an in-person training tailored for property managers and their staff, covering a variety of topics geared toward preventing fires at multifamily housing complexes. 

APARTMENT LANDLORD TRAINING

Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (check-in begins at 8 a.m.)

Location: TVF&R South Operating Center, 8445 SW Elligsen Road, Wilsonville 

Registration is required; space is limited. REGISTER HERE

Presenters from each agency will go over the basics of fire, common fire causes, fire and life safety inspections, the fire investigation process, youth fire setting, and landlord responsibilities that better ensure your property is safe. Our partners at American Red Cross Cascades Region will also cover their critical role when it comes to helping people who are displaced due to a fire. 

After presentations, attendees will get to perform hands-on activities including fire extinguisher training and hands only CPR training. A booth expo will also be set up to provide additional resources and educational information. 

For those unable to attend the in-person training, a self-paced online program is available here. 

NOTE: This training is for housing complexes that fall under the commercial fire code (ie. apartments). If you rent and manage a residential home, please contact your local county or city for available residential landlord training opportunities.

For questions or if you need assistance in registering, please call 503-259-1502 or email aptsafety@tvfr.com.