June 20th marked the first official day of summer, but June 24 put an exclamation point on that milestone this year. Hillsboro firefighters responded to five separate fires in their service area and served as mutual aid partners to regional fire departments and districts. While many service calls are medical emergencies, these incidents remind us that fires can happen anytime.
Beginning at just before 9:00 am, firefighters were dispatched to reports of a car fire in the 8000 block of NE Quatama St. En route, dispatchers provided additional information that smoke was billowing from underneath a vehicle parked in an attached carport to a home. Firefighters knocked down the fire quickly and prevented it from spreading into the house.
Around 11:45 a.m., firefighters responded to a residential fire in the 1000 block of SE Baseline Street. Multiple 911 callers reported seeing flames and heavy smoke coming from the back of the house. Some neighbors tried to help put out the fire, while others knocked on the home’s doors to ensure everyone could evacuate safely. Sadly, one person suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital.
At 6:12 p.m., a caller reported to 911 that a battery charger had caught fire inside a home and ignited other surrounding contents. The fire was extinguished and contained in one room, thanks to an aggressive fire attack. Two people were inside the house when the fire started and were not injured.
Two hours later, minutes before 8:00 pm, Hillsboro fire crews on Engine 1, Engine 3, Engine 5, and Engine 6, were dispatched to assist Banks Fire District 13 with a structural fire as a mutual aid resource.
Lastly, at 11:04 pm, firefighters responded to a residential fire at a duplex in the 2000 block of NE Barberry Court. A neighbor who called 911 to report the fire initially believed they saw the glow from a fire pit but quickly realized that a large fire was burning that consumed the entire back of the home and extended inside. The fire was upgraded to a first-alarm incident, which brought additional firefighters and resources from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and Cornelius Fire Department.
Hillsboro Fire and Rescue reminds community members of these important fire safety tips:
- Working smoke alarms can save lives.
- Create and practice your home escape plan. Know two ways out of every room. Designate a meeting place outside your home.
- Use the proper, manufacturer-approved cables and devices to charge your rechargeable batteries. Be alert to the charging systems and unplug them when the system indicates the batteries are sufficiently charged. Do not use extension cords.
- While cooking, always remain in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended.
- Smother cooking fires by putting a lid on the pot or pan and turning off the power source if you can safely.
- Never re-enter a home to retrieve pets or belongings. Alert firefighters to pets that may still be inside.
- Call 911 from outside using your cell phone or a neighbor’s phone.
