NEWS RELEASE
December 24, 2001
Release: Immediately
Contact: Storm Smith, 503-612-7013 / Pager 503-301-9135

An apartment fire displaced five Tigard families in the early hours of Christmas Eve. Units from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue responded at 2:25 a.m. to the Bonita Court Apartments at 7759 SW Bonita Road. The first units on the scene found flames coming from the second floor deck. Heat from the fire broke the sliding glass balcony doors and flames extended into that apartment and the deck above. Firefighters brought the fire under control in just minutes. However, they spent another 15 minutes checking for fire extension into the 3^rd floor walls and attic area. Fire officers called a second alarm to bring additional units to stand by the scene as a precaution. The second alarm units were returned to their quarters after the incident commander determined they weren't needed. In all, 12 fire units and 40 firefighters were assigned to the incident including one engine company from Lake Oswego Fire Department.

Crews contained the heaviest fire damage to the second floor apartment and the third floor balcony. The third floor apartment suffered heavy smoke damage.

Only five of the six apartments were occupied at the time of the fire and all residents escaped unharmed. All displaced families have been housed at a nearby hotel. Fire investigators say the fire started on the deck of the second floor apartment. Damage to the building may exceed 100-thousand dollars. The exact cause is still under investigation. There were no injuries.

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