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Just before 3:00 p.m. today, multiple 911 callers reported a two-story home in the 18000 block of Seiffert Road that had heavy smoke and flames pouring out the windows. One of the callers, who was also the homeowner, reported the fire started on the second floor. Firefighters arrived to find fire and pressurized smoke coming out of the second story windows and eaves. Crews confirmed that both occupants of the home and their pets were able to exit safely.
Crews advanced to the interior of the home to fight the flames but had to move to an exterior position when a downed power line created a life-threatening hazard. A second-alarm was called to bring additional resources to the scene, including water tenders that were used to shuttle water to the rural location.
Utilizing a diverse complement of tactics, the crews were able to get significant knockdown on the fire while be limited to the side of the home opposite the downed power line. Firefighters also identified a significant amount of firewood that was next to the home and could potentially ignite from nearby heat or an ember from the fire. A team of firefighters lined up to move the potential fuel source to a safe distance away from the home.
One firefighter was treated on scene for a minor injury and then transported to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure.
A TVF&R fire investigator was called to the scene to determine the cause of the fire. TVF&R was assisted on scene by crews from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Media are invited to a conversation with Lieutenant Trevor Herb who spent nearly two weeks supporting the firefighting efforts at the Camp Fire in California.
WHEN: November 21 at 9a.m.
WHERE: TVF&R Fire Station 64, 3355 NW 185th Avenue, 97229
PHOTOS & VIDEO: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fypkhsiuix49t6t/AABjmUt8jIbG7rwTuBw8XhRxa?dl=0
Lt. Herb was among 15 TVF&R personnel deployed with Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) strike teams to perform critical work on the Camp Fire burning in Butte County, California. The Camp Fire is the nation’s deadliest wildfire in a century and although cooler weather is helping firefighters to gain ground, the search for people will continue.