Just before 5a.m. on August 27, 2017, a contractor on his way to work spotted a fire in a new development in North Bethany near NW 169 and NW Madrone.

A Washington County Sherriff’s deputy was first to arrive. His photos show a fully engulfed two-story home with fire spreading to both adjacent homes. Moments later, firefighters from TVF&R's Station 64 began an aggressive attack to keep the fire from spreading further. Significant fire volume and unsafe conditions prevented them from searching the main structure. As additional crews arrived, the adjacent homes were searched to confirm that no one was inside.

For more than an hour, dozens of firefighters worked to contain the fires and were able to protect four homes. The block features high-end homes that are recently constructed or nearly complete, but not yet occupied. Just eleven days ago, there was a fire next to the primary fire unit that burned this morning. That fire remains under investigation, and it's unclear whether there is any connection between the incidents. TVF&R fire investigators are being assisted by Washington County Sherriff’s Office.

One firefighter was transported by Metro West Ambulance to St. Vincent Hospital for evaluation of signs of exhaustion. In addition to Metro West Ambulance, TVF&R was assisted by Portland Fire and Rescue, Hillsboro Fire Department and Washington County Sherriff’s Office.