At 5:49 am, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to an apartment fire at 505 SW Valeria View Drive in Portland. Callers to 9-1-1 reported seeing flames on the balcony of a third floor unit.

Callers further indicated that while they could see flames, it also appeared that someone was attempting to extinguish the fire. Shortly after the residents evacuated, the building's fire sprinkler system activated, helping to minimize the fire's spread until firefighters arrived.

Upon arrival, TVF&R firefighters continued extinguishing the fire, which was brought under control quickly. Firefighters verified that the fire did not extend into the apartment unit and was contained to the balcony. A TVF&R fire investigator responded to the scene and has determined that this fire was caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials.

TVF&R reminds citizens that smoking is the leading cause of residential fire deaths in Oregon. The best option for ensuring complete extinguishment of smoking materials is to smother them with water in a metal container. For more safety tips visit: http://www.tvfr.com/index.aspx?NID=258