At approximately 6:09 p.m. this evening, multiple callers to 911 reported an apartment unit on fire at the Aloha Park multi-family housing complex located off 185th Avenue south of Baseline Road. Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) and Hillsboro Fire & Rescue were immediately dispatched to the location. Due to reports of a fast-moving fire spreading to multiple units, the incident was quickly upgraded to a first alarm fire to bring in adequate resources to the scene.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies were first on scene and assisted with evacuating residents in nearby units. First-arriving crews from TVF&R found heavy fire in the complex and stairwell. They initiated aggressive fire attack measures and searched the involved units. The incident was then upgraded to a second alarm to bring in additional crews to help get the quickly moving and challenging blaze under control.
In total, 10 units experienced fire, smoke and water damage, displacing 18 residents. Washington County Housing Services, who owns the apartment complex, in coordination with Red Cross is assisting everyone who was displaced by providing them temporary housing and any other essential needs. Two residents were evaluated for smoke inhalation and one was transported by Metro West Ambulance to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, three dogs perished in the fire.
Fire investigators are on scene working to determine the cause of the fire. Fire officials would like to remind the public that working smoke alarms, quickly exiting the building and staying outside can save your life. Firefighters are specially trained and have protective equipment to survive the high temperatures and toxic gases that smoke contains.
