West Linn
Just after 1:15am this morning, firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue responded to reports of a fire in the 1900 block of Ostman Road in West Linn. Callers to 9-1-1 reported heavy fire and loud popping noises from a duplex. Initially it was unclear whether anyone was trapped inside either unit. Within six minutes from being dispatched, firefighters from TVF&R’s Willamette Fire Station 59 were first to arrive and began an aggressive defensive fire attack and search of the affected duplex.
Based on the heavy volume of fire and threat to an additional duplex, fence and trees, the incident commander called for a second alarm of resources to assist with fire attack, salvage, search and patient care. For 40 minutes, nearly 50 firefighters from TVF&R, Lake Oswego Fire Department and Clackamas Fire District worked to contain and extinguish the fire. After multiple searches, firefighters confirmed that residents of both units had safely escaped. Damage was limited to two duplexes. West Linn Police officers and paramedics from AMR also provided assistance and support to residents and neighbors.
No residents or firefighters were injured as a result of the fire, but one female occupant was evaluated and cared for at the scene. Firefighters also rescued and resuscitated a pet cat. Eight adults and three children have been displaced as a result of the fire and American Red Cross is helping them with housing and immediate needs.
Based on preliminary interviews and evidence, the investigator has determined that unattended cooking was to blame for the blaze. The fire was fed by natural gas, which added complexity to the incident. There is no damage estimate at this time.
Beaverton
While firefighters were still tending to hotspots at the West Linn fire at 2:42am, TVF&R responded to another fire in the 12000 block of SW 8th Street in Beaverton. First-arriving firefighters from Beaverton Station 67 found a two-story home with fire coming out of two sides. Firefighters initially fought the fire from the outside and transitioned to an interior fire attack where heavy smoke filled the home. Though they had information that no one was inside the home, they still conducted two searches to be sure.
Firefighters contained the fire within 30 minutes and were able to limit damage to the home, but the garage was a complete loss. An investigator remains on scene at this hour and will examine material evidence and conduct witness interviews to determine where and how the fire started. No people were injured as a result of the fire, but a cat perished.