At 7:43 am this morning, the first call to 911 reported billowing smoke and an audible smoke alarm coming from a multi-story duplex residence at 265 SE 28th Avenue in Hillsboro. Additional callers reported increasing amounts of darkening smoke and neighbors attempting to contact the resident of the home from outside the structure. A Hillsboro Police officer arrived and attempted to contact the resident on the side of the duplex where the fire was most prominent but was not able to make contact at the front door due to the amount of fire, smoke, and heat. Based on the 911 call information, the call was upgraded to a first alarm to bring additional firefighters and resources to the incident.
The first arriving fire engine initiated an attack on the fire while other firefighters made access to the roof to ventilate the structure and allow the release of heated gas and smoke. As crews accessed the rear of the structure, they encountered heavy flames and black smoke. Additional firefighters entered the structure to search for anyone inside the home. During that search, firefighters located a deceased adult victim and a deceased dog inside the home.
Firefighters continued a thorough search of both sides of the structure and confirmed no other residents or pets were found. Two adults living in the adjoining unit were able to evacuate safely and were not reported to be injured. The damage from the fire was largely contained to one unit but the other unit was impacted by smoke and heat.Â
A Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplain responded to the fire to provide support to the residents of the duplex who were able to evacuate, neighbors, and first responders. Two adult residents were displaced as a result of the fire and the American Red Cross was called to assist.
A Hillsboro Fire Investigation team responded to the incident in coordination with investigators from Hillsboro Police Department. The fire investigation is ongoing, and no official cause has been determined.
