About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue to your Twitter account or create one.
@TVFR
At 6:45a.m. this morning, multiple callers to 9-1-1 reported dark smoke and flames coming from one side of a duplex located in the 9000 block of SW 91st Avenue in unincorporated Washington County close to Tigard.
Firefighters responding to the scene could see a plume of smoke. The first crew from TVF&R’s Progress fire station arrived within four minutes of being dispatched and quickly began to douse flames while searching for a female occupant who was known to be inside. Sadly, when they found her, she was already dead. Due to privacy rules, we are unable to release the fire victim’s name.
The 69-year-old woman who lost her life resided in the home with her brother. Though he was able to escape the home, he was treated for smoke inhalation and transported by Metro West Ambulance to an area hospital. The occupant of the neighboring unit was unharmed but will be displaced due to smoke and water damage. A TVF&R chaplain is supporting residents and neighbors after the traumatic event.
A fire investigator is working to determine where and how the fire started. Washington County Sheriff’s Office is supporting the investigation and provided traffic control during the fire. A Washington County medical examiner will verify the cause of death.
Firefighters did not hear smoke alarms when they entered the home and it did not have a fire sprinkler system. When a fire sprinkler system is present, the likelihood of injuries and costly damage is dramatically reduced. More information about fire sprinkler systems can be found at: http://www.tvfr.com/index.aspx?nid=144