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@TVFR
Updated 2/24/2021 at 12:45 p.m.
* = updates
Shortly before noon today, firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Dundee Fire Department were dispatched to a house fire on Pinehurst Drive in Newberg. Based on descriptions received from the multiple callers to 911, the responding Battalion Chief immediately upgraded the incident to a one-alarm fire to ensure adequate resources were sent to the scene.
Firefighters from our downtown Newberg fire station arrived within five minutes of being dispatched to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the garage and quickly spreading to the living area of the home. Firefighters immediately began battling the fire and ensuring all occupants had safely evacuated the home. The fire was deemed under control 20 minutes after the first crew arrived.
Thankfully, smoke alarms in the house alerted the occupants *who were home when the fire broke out, and they were able to evacuate safely and without injury. Due to extensive fire and smoke damage, the house is not inhabitable, temporarily displacing a total of *seven adults and a pet dog. The American Red Cross will be assisting them with temporary housing and other essential needs.
*A TVF&R investigator determined that the fire originated in a converted sleeping area inside the garage. Due to a number of potential ignition sources, the cause is currently undetermined. Damage estimates to the house are in excess of $100,000. No other nearby structures were impacted by the fire.
Videos of the fire can be downloaded here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j8u3f838lzsp4j8/PinehurstFireVideo%281%29.MOV?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/oc98dfavm3kqst9/PinehurstFireVideo%282%29.MOV?dl=0
TVF&R was assisted on scene today by Dundee Fire Department, Newberg-Dundee Police Department, Portland General Electric and American Red Cross.
Incidents like this are a good reminder of how working smoke alarms combined with an escape plan saves lives. For more information, visit https://www.tvfr.com/145/Smoke-Alarms-Escape-Planning