Hillsboro, OR. — Firefighters from Hillsboro Fire & Rescue and assisting agencies quickly contained an apartment fire Saturday night in the 700 block of SE 7th Avenue, preventing damage to neighboring units and avoiding injuries.
At approximately 7:51 p.m. on Feb. 7, neighbors called 911 after seeing flames coming from an apartment unit behind their home. Because it was initially unclear whether the unit was occupied, the call was upgraded to a first-alarm response while crews were en route.
Engine 2 arrived within four minutes, followed closely by Engine 1. Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames extending above the roofline of the end unit. Crews advanced hose lines into the apartment while Truck 5 firefighters accessed the roof to cut a ventilation opening, allowing heat and smoke to escape the structure.
Engine 5 established a water supply by connecting to a hydrant at the corner of SE 7th Avenue and SE Cedar Street, laying approximately 300 feet of large-diameter hose. SE 7th Avenue was temporarily closed to protect the supply line during operations.
Firefighters quickly knocked down the main body of the fire and extinguished remaining hot spots. Officials said the rapid response prevented the fire from spreading into the shared attic space and adjoining units.
Searches of the affected and neighboring apartments confirmed no one was inside at the time. Residents of adjacent units were alerted by smoke alarms and evacuated safely. No injuries were reported.
Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains responded to assist displaced residents. Two adults were displaced by the fire, while four other residents were able to return to their apartments after officials determined smoke and fire impacts were minimal.
Fire investigators from Hillsboro Fire & Rescue are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined.
Assisting agencies included Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Hillsboro Police, AMR Ambulance, and Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
