Simultaneous Structure Fires Keep Washington County Crews Busy (Photo)
-06/14/25
At about 3:30 this afternoon, multiple emergency crews were dispatched following reports of flames engulfing the back half of a two-story home at Sourthwest Leann Court in Washington County. Neighbors noted heavy smoke, explosions, and rapid fire spread toward nearby properties.
When crews from TVF&R and Hillsboro Fire & Rescue were dispatched, there was a visible column of smoke from the road, and they arrived and found heavy fire. The incident was upgraded from a first alarm to a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.
Fire crews quickly established a water supply and began knocking down active flames in the attic and throughout the home. Firefighters conducted a search and confirmed that all occupants of the home had evacuated and were unharmed.
With help from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, neighbors were also evacuated from adjacent homes. Several homes nearby were at risk of also catching fire, requiring firefighters to defend several structures at a time. At one point, a roof across the street from the incident caught fire from floating embers. Crews acted swiftly and suppressed the fire before it was able to cause damage to the interior of the neighboring home.
The initial fire was largely brought under control within an hour, with remaining time spent overhauling the home and salvaging items that could be saved. In total, three people were displaced from the home and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Fire investigators responded to the scene and are working to determine the cause.
TVF&R was assisted by Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, American Medical Response, Washington County’s Sheriff’s Office, Portland General Electric, and Northwest Natural.
Simultaneous Barn Fire on Southwest Midway Road
Coinciding with the house fire, dispatch also received a 911 call at 3:39 p.m. reporting a barn fire near the 16600 block of Sourthwest Midway Road in rural Washington County.
Crews found a two-story barn fully involved, with flames threatening nearby trees and vehicles. Water supply was established using water tenders to provide a consistent supply of water to the fire engines.
Crews worked to contain exposures and fought heavy fire conditions. The barn’s roof partially collapsed. The barn was a total loss, and crews transitioned to mop-up work within an hour.
A fire investigator determined the fire was unintentional and caused by a mechanical problem with a vehicle that was inside the barn. Cornelius Fire, Gaston Fire, Lake Oswego Fire, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted on scene.
No injuries were reported from either incident, and no additional structures were compromised.
Both of today’s incidents underscore how quickly fire can spread—especially in dry conditions or when nearby materials are combustible. We encourage all property owners, especially those in suburban and rural areas, to create and maintain defensible space around their homes and outbuildings. Keeping grass trimmed, removing dead vegetation, and spacing out flammable plants and materials can dramatically reduce the risk of fire spread and improve firefighter access and effectiveness during an emergency.
