Crews Battle Two-Alarm House Fire In Bethany (Photo) -01/22/25

At 5:05 p.m. today, multiple callers to 911 reported seeing heavy black smoke and flames coming from a home in the 3600 block of NW 163^rd Terrace in the Bethany-area of unincorporated Washington County. Based on the descriptions and number of callers, the call was upgraded to bring additional personnel and units to the scene. At least one nearby resident evacuated their home due to proximity and size of the fire. While driving to the scene, the incident commander also confirmed seeing a visible black column of smoke coming from the location.

 

The first crew arrived within five minutes and began to search the home to confirm whether any occupants remained inside. The large number of personal belongings inside the residence made access to the interior of the home and search operations challenging. While firefighters worked to confirm all occupants were out of the home, fire crews began to attack the fire. The incident commander called for a second alarm to bring additional resources, to further aid initial fire crews facing challenging fire conditions.

 

With assistance from Hillsboro Fire, firefighters brought the fire under control, and completed their search confirming that no occupants were in the home. A fire investigator is at the scene and the cause remains under investigation.

 

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

 

TVF&R approves the use of all images included with this release for the purpose of news dissemination.

Apartment Complex Fire Claims A Life And Displaces Five Families (Photo) -01/18/25

At 2:20 p.m. today, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighters were dispatched to a commercial fire in the 18000 block of Southwest Mapleoak Lane in Aloha. Multiple callers to 911 reported seeing black smoke coming from the first floor of a three-story apartment building.

 

Upon arrival, crews discovered heavy black smoke and flames coming from the first-floor unit and fire on the first, second, and third-floor balconies on the back of the building. The Incident Commander upgraded the fire to a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene. Firefighters quickly worked to suppress the fire while also initiating a search of the apartment complex units for occupants.

 

During the search, crews found one person who was the occupant of the first-floor unit and succumbed to their injuries. The fire impacted six units, and five families are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. No other individuals or pets were injured during the fire.

 

A pair of TVF&R fire investigators and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a joint investigation.

 

TVF&R was assisted on scene by Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, American Medical Response, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Portland General Electric.

 

TVF&R approves the use of all images included with this release for the purpose of news dissemination.