Just before 8 p.m. this evening, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighters were dispatched to a residential house fire, located off Almond Street in Aloha.

Firefighters from Station 62 in Aloha were returning to their station after completing a medical call when they noticed billowing black smoke in the distance. WCCCA 911 dispatchers simultaneously broadcasted that a working house fire in the same vicinity had been called into 911. The call was immediately upgraded to a first-alarm, dispatching the firefighters from the Aloha station and several other nearby fire stations.

Upon the crew’s arrival on scene, the fire was rapidly spreading and flames had already made their way through the roof. Firefighters began aggressively attacking the fire and were able to extinguish the fire within ten minutes of being on scene.

One person was home at the time of the fire, along with the family dog and pet bird. The occupant was able to evacuate safely and unharmed. Unfortunately, the dog and bird perished in the fire. Due to extensive fire and smoke damage to the home, the occupant is displaced and will be staying with relatives.

Fire investigators are currently on scene working to narrow down the origin and possible cause of the fire.

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue firefighters were also on scene to assist TVF&R crews.