At 7:07 p.m. on Friday, July 11, numerous callers to 911 reported seeing fire in a ditch near Southwest 124th Avenue and SW Tonquin Road outside Sherwood. Initial reports described the fire as approximately “the size of a car”.
The first firefighters arrived within five minutes of being dispatched and, due to the wind and dry fuels, found the fire had extended to cover a hill next to the ditch, continuing to spread uphill. The call was upgraded to bring additional units to the scene. Fire crews deployed hose lines up the steep terrain in such a rapid and progressive manner that it allowed firefighters to get to the front of the fire before it could damage nearby power poles.
Firefighters also noted a growing spot fire that threatened nearby structures, so the call was upgraded again to bring additional personnel and resources to the scene. Crews worked quickly to provide structural protection, and the spot fire was contained without need for evacuation.
In total, an estimated three acres burned, with an additional acre to include the spot fire. TVF&R fire investigators are working to determine the cause. We wish to thank our partners at Lake Oswego Fire and Aurora Fire District for assisting on the fire; Sherwood Police and Washington County Sheriff’s Office for providing traffic control; and American Medical Response for standby support at the scene.