Just before 10:30 a.m. today, emergency responders were informed of a residential home fully engulfed in flames by a helicopter pilot flying over rural Washington County.

A 9-1-1 dispatcher from Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA) used latitude and longitude coordinates to determine the address of the fire. Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Hillsboro Fire Department responded to the 21000 block of Southwest Vintage Drive near Hillsboro. Additional calls came in from neighbors to confirm the fire and report the sound of explosions as crews were enroute.

Due to the location of the fire and access challenges, it took firefighters approximately 14 minutes to arrive after the first call to 9-1-1. Firefighters first on scene began a defensive fire attack and established a water supply since there wasn't a nearby hydrant.

Crews had to shuttle water into the area, extending hose lines nearly 1,500 feet to the large two-story home. Fire commanders called for a second alarm at 10:54 a.m. to bring in additional water and resources. As crews attacked the fire from the exterior, others moved inside to conduct a search. The homeowner arrived as crews were working to extinguish the blaze and confirmed that no people were inside. Sadly, the fire claimed the life of a cat.

Firefighters worked for nearly an hour to control the fire and continue mopping up hot spots and salvaging belongings. In addition to Hillsboro Fire Department, TVF&R was assisted by Washington County Fire District 2 and Washington County Sheriff's Office. Metro West Ambulance provided a standby ambulance. No emergency responders were injured.

A fire investigator remains on scene at this hour and will conduct interviews and examine material evidence to determine where and how this fire started.