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
Overnight our crews responded to a residential fire at a vacant home on Southwest 105th Terrace in Cedar Mill. The 911 call was made around 1:30 a.m. by a neighbor who reported hearing a fire alarm and seeing smoke. Shortly after, the caller confirmed visible flames and dark smoke coming from a property a couple houses away.
Upon arrival, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews found heavy fire venting from the roof and a second story window. The fire was upgraded to a first alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.
Firefighters initiated an interior attack and were faced with heavy fire and challenging conditions. As a result of the fire, part of the floor and roof collapsed, limiting the ability to maneuver around inside. Still, crews conducted multiple thorough searches to ensure there was no one trapped inside.
The fire was declared under control at 2:14 a.m., with crews focusing on extinguishing remaining hot spots. The home, which was already under construction following a tree fall during a winter storm, is considered a total loss. Two cats remain unaccounted for. A TVF&R fire investigator was dispatched to the scene and is working to determine how the fire started.
TVF&R would like to emphasize the importance of immediately calling 911 when you see smoke or flames. The quick actions and vigilance of the reporting neighbor in this incident allowed for a prompt response, impacting the outcome and preventing further spread of the fire.
TVF&R was also assisted on scene by Beaverton Police, American Medical Response, Portland General Electric, and NW Natural Gas.