At 8:28 p.m. on Sunday evening, WCCCA 911 dispatchers began fielding multiple calls about an apartment building on fire, located off Menlo Drive and Allen Boulevard. Neighbors and people driving by along Allen Boulevard could see flames and a large column of dark grey smoke coming from the building. Based on the number of 911 calls and descriptions, dispatchers immediately upgraded the call to a first alarm fire bringing additional Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue resources to the scene. Beaverton Police Department was also called out to the incident to assist with traffic control while Allen Boulevard was temporarily closed in both directions.
First-incoming crews arrived to find the first and second story end unit of the fourplex building fully engulfed and flames were beginning to spread through the shared attic space. They quickly called for a second alarm to bring in more resources to fight the fire. Firefighters began aggressive fire attack measures to keep the flames contained and minimize damage to the connected units. Additional incoming crews performed a search of the affected unit and adjacent unit and did not find any occupants.
While extinguishing hot spots and salvaging belongings, crews came across a small cage that was covered on the porch that housed a pet bunny. Thankfully, the bunny was unharmed and quickly reunited with its owner.
Due to extensive damage to the one unit along with fire, smoke and water damage in the shared attic space, all four units are deemed uninhabitable. Ten people in total and the pet bunny have been displaced and will be assisted by Red Cross, who will help secure temporary housing and any other essential needs.
The cause of the fire is unknown; a TVF&R investigator is currently on scene.
TVF&R was assisted on scene by Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency, Beaverton Police Department, Metro West Ambulance, Portland General Electric, NW Natural and Red Cross Cascades Region.
