TVF&R fire investigators determined that an unattended propane barbecue was the cause of an accidental fire that took place on June 18 around 8 p.m. in the 8000 block of Southwest 190th Avenue in Beaverton. A family had been barbecuing in their garage. They briefly stepped away. When they returned, they were met with a fire that was spreading quickly.
Callers to 911 reported significant dark smoke, flames, loud popping sounds, and possible injuries. Within six minutes of being dispatched, the first fire crew arrived to find the garage fully involved, two vehicles burning, and fire spreading to the nearby yard. Firefighters aggressively fought the fire, searched the home, and treated the homeowner, who sustained burns on his hands and arms. The fire was knocked down in 15 minutes and contained to the garage. The rest of the home sustained some smoke and water damage. Damages to the home and vehicles are estimated at $75,000. The family of four and their cat will be displaced until the home is repaired.
The home did not have a residential fire sprinkler system.