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@TVFR
At 9:21 a.m. this morning, firefighters were dispatched on reports of a triplex with smoke and fire coming from the first story of the three-story complex. Crews arrived to find heavy black smoke in the first story and fire moving into the attic space. Crews from engine 33 (Sherwood) initiated fire suppression and were assisted by engine 35 (King City). The Incident Commander upgraded the incident to a first alarm fire to bring more resources to the scene. Firefighters contained the fire to one unit of the triplex. All occupants had evacuated the structure when fire crews arrived.
Fortunately, no one was injured. One neighbor was evaluated for possible smoke inhalation after running into the triplex to look for animals. Constructed in the 1930's the residence contains multiple void spaces that accumulate super-heated gases, fire, and smoke. Crews utilized hand tools and a thermal-imaging camera (TIC) to locate, confine, and extinguish hotspots inside these challenging spaces.
Fire investigators are still on scene working to determine the cause of the fire; however, fire officials would like to remind the public that working smoke alarms, quickly exiting, and staying outside a burning home can save your life. Firefighters are specially trained and have protective equipment to survive the high temperatures and toxic gases that smoke contains.
Thank you, Sherwood Police, Sherwood Public Utilities, NW Natural Gas, and MetroWest Ambulance for their assistance on the fire.
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