Just before 3a.m. on December 23, a resident of a home in the 5000 block of SW 167th Avenue in Beaverton reported that a shed adjacent their home was engulfed in flames that were quickly spreading. When firefighters arrived, fire had spread from a vent into the home’s attic. They immediately began to extinguish the shed fire. At the same time, additional fire crews fought the attic fire from inside the home and atop the roof managing to keep the fire from spreading into the living space. 

Due to water damage, the home is not currently habitable. Three adults, three children, two cats and two dogs have been displaced. A TVF&R fire investigator has determined that the fire originated in the shed, but the exact cause is unknown.

While firefighters were mopping up hot spots and decontaminating gear at the scene of the SW 167th Avenue fire, 911 dispatchers fielded a call from a resident of a triplex three miles away in the 12000 block of SW Allen Blvd. The resident reported a fire in her utility room that was filling the home with smoke. She evacuated her family and notified neighbors before firefighters arrived. Firefighters limited fire damage to one unit, but the adjacent unit sustained some smoke and water damage. 

The accidental cause of the fire was determined to be combustibles placed too close to a heating unit. Two adults, two kids, and one dog were displaced by the fire in the original unit. Sadly, a cat perished. Two adults were displaced from the adjacent unit. There were no other injuries. 

The American Red Cross is supporting all of the impacted families with lodging and other immediate needs. All of the homes had working smoke alarms, but none of the homes had residential fire sprinkler systems. Our hearts go out to these families. This has already been such a difficult year. We appreciate that the American Red Cross is providing them with much-needed support before Christmas.

TVF&R was assisted by Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (911 dispatch), Beaverton Police Department and Metro West Ambulance.