Shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday, multiple calls to 911 reported a house on fire in the 17000 block of NW Sylvania Lane in Bethany. Neighbors quickly helped evacuate the affected home and neighboring homes.
As responding firefighters left Somerset West Station 64 in the Rock Creek area, they could see a black column of smoke coming from the vicinity of the location they were being dispatched to. The call was immediately upgraded to a first alarm, since it was a confirmed working fire and to ensure there were adequate firefighting resources.
Firefighters arrived on scene and began an aggressive fire attack to gain control of the rapidly spreading flames. Crews also did an immediate search of the house to confirm all occupants were out.
The fire appeared to have started on the exterior of the home and spread quickly to the eaves and into the attic. Heat from the flames also made its way to the gas line connection at the house’s gas meter, causing the gas line to rupture. NW Natural quickly arrived on scene to assist with shutting the gas off.
The fire also damaged the exterior of an adjacent home.
Occupants in the affected house safely evacuated with no injuries but have been displaced due to fire and smoke damage and the power being shut off to the home. The American Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary housing and other essential needs.
The fire is under investigation; cause is unknown at this time.
TVF&R was assisted by Hillsboro Fire and Rescue, NW Natural, PGE and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Source: TVF&R