Just after 2 p.m. Monday, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighters were dispatched to a reported commercial fire in the 8800 block of Southwest Cashmur Lane in West Slope. Multiple callers to 911 reported seeing gray smoke coming from the roof of the multifamily dwelling. Additional reports said there were occupants still trapped in the building.
En route to the scene, crews reported seeing a large column of black smoke. Upon arrival, crews encountered flames coming through the roof and heavy black smoke billowing from the structure. Firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the fire while also initiating a search of the units for occupants. Crews searched the affected apartment and nearby apartments for potential victims. No other individuals or pets were found inside the units.
The incident was upgraded to a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene. TVF&R crews were assisted by firefighters from Portland Fire & Rescue. Firefighters had the fire under control at 3:20 p.m. Initially, it was reported that four patients were treated on scene and of the four, two were transported to a local hospital for further treatment. In total, seven patients were transported and three patients sought treatment at a local area hospital by personal vehicles.
A TVF&R fire investigator responded to the scene and determined that the fire originated in the lower unit and spread from there. Due to the extensive damage, an extended fire investigation will be ongoing. TVF&R was also assisted on scene by Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies, American Medical Response, Portland General Electric, and NW Natural Gas. The American Red Cross is assisting families displaced by the fire.
