Update: A TVF&R fire investigator has increased the damage estimate on this morning's fire from $100,000 to $200,000 after further evaluation of the fire damage to the building.
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At 12:16 a.m., firefighters responded to a report of an electrical smell at 875 SW 158th Ave. in Beaverton. As firefighters were responding to the Extended Stay America, an astute property manager began evacuating the motel units impacted by the smell.
Upon arrival, firefighters from Butner Road Station 61 identified the source of the smell as burning barkdust. They quickly ascertained that the fire had spread from the ground, up to the second story attic, and was venting through the roof.
Crews began simultaneously attacking the fire and evacuating the 37 units in the building. A total of 49 residents were safely evacuated; 44 adults and five children. There were no injuries.
Two truck companies were sourced to the roof and effectively got ahead of the fire, stopping it midway through the building's attic. Additional firefighters pulled hose lines and attacked the fire from the ground.
A TVF&R fire investigator responded to the scene and determined that the cause of this fire was accidental. The source of ignition was improperly discarded smoking materials that ignited barkdust. The fire then spread from the barkdust to the combustible siding material and into the attic space. Damage is estimated at $100,000.
The Extended Stay America management has located accommodations for all the displaced residents at a sister property. The structure had both a fire sprinkler system and working smoke alarms. More information about fire sprinkler systems can be found at: http://www.tvfr.com/index.aspx?nid=144
TVF&R urges citizens to dispose of smoking materials properly.
* Don't put cigarettes out in landscaping, barkdust, or potted plants. Potting soil is an organic material and has the potential to ignite.
* The best option for ensuring complete extinguishment of smoking materials is to smother them with water in a metal container.
* Don't let cigarette butts pile up - the materials are combustible and may smolder for several hours before causing a fire.
* Don't toss your smoking materials out on the roadway or into landscaping.