Shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday morning, multiple callers to 911 reported flames coming from an apartment building at a complex in the 8100 block of Southwest Barnes Road in unincorporated Washington County.
Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were first on scene and helped evacuate residents. Firefighters arrived quickly thereafter and found flames coming through the windows, roof, and stairwell of the apartment building. Crews began attacking the fire and initiated search and rescue efforts. Ultimately, they rescued seven people from the building who were trying to escape the fire and toxic smoke. Multiple pets were also rescued by firefighters. Fire officials escalated the fire to a second alarm and called for mutual aid. Portland Fire & Rescue sent three units to assist.
Eight patients were transported to the hospital for injuries related to the fire. Some patients sustained injuries when they jumped from the second floor of the building to escape while others suffered from smoke inhalation and burns. Additionally, one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.
The fire caused significant damage to multiple units inside the building. As a result, about two dozen people are displaced. TVF&R and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are working with apartment managers to help affected residents find shelter.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is working in coordination with TVF&R fire investigators to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
