NEWS RELEASE

At 9:37 p.m. last night, fire crews from Gladstone Fire Department were dispatched to the report of a fire at the Delmar Apartments, 121 West Herford, with flames and heavy smoke showing from and upstairs unit and three victims trapped inside. Neighboring fire districts Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and Clackamas Fire District #1 responded minutes later to assist with the situation. Firefighters immediately began rescue and fire attack operations, and the three victims, a 21 year old female, a male in his twenties and an infant male were rescued from the building. Advanced life support efforts were performed on the victims and the two males were immediately transported to Willamette Falls Hospital where they were confirmed as fatalities. The female was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital where she is still listed in critical condition.

A total of two trucks, three engines, three rescues and four ambulances responded to this fire. Chaplains and the American Red Cross also responded to help the fifteen displaced residents. This fire was particularly tragic because the victims were related to one of the responding Gladstone firefighters.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Investigation teams from Clackamas Fire District #1 and the Office of the State Fire Marshal will be conducting the investigation.

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