Hillsboro, OR. — At 10:14 a.m. today, a neighbor across from a home in the 5000 block of SE Patterson Street called 911 reporting smoke and fire billowing from the garage and through the roof. The caller told dispatchers they did not believe anyone was inside but had seen the neighbors in the garage earlier. Other callers also reported hearing small explosions from the garage. A large plume of smoke was visible from as far away as the Hillsboro Airport. Based on reports, the incident was upgraded to a first alarm while firefighters were en route, sending additional units.
First-arriving crews confirmed heavy fire in the garage with flames coming from the roof. Firefighters entered the home with hose lines to locate and extinguish the fire, encountering heavy smoke inside. Additional crews climbed ladders to the roof and cut ventilation openings to release heat and smoke. Firefighters searched the residence to ensure no one was inside and confirmed the home was empty. The residents later arrived and confirmed no one was home. No injuries were reported.
Crews remained on scene to extinguish hot spots in the attic and garage. Firefighters determined that the explosions reported to 911 were likely small propane tanks commonly used for BBQs and grills. SE Patterson Street was temporarily blocked while crews connected to a hydrant on the south side of the roadway.
Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains responded to support the displaced residents, who reported that family members would be able to assist them.
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue investigators responded, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Hillsboro Police, AMR Ambulance, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Portland General Electric, NW Natural Gas, and Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains assisted at the scene.
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