Monday morning, multiple callers to 911 reported seeing heavy, black smoke and flames coming from an assisted living facility in the 8400 block of Hemlock Steet in Tigard. Based on the descriptions of the fire and the fact that around 100 older adults are housed at the facility, the call was upgraded to bring additional personnel and units to the scene.
The first crew arrived within five minutes and found an exterior fire with heavy, black smoke and flames on the side of the facility. Firefighters attacked the fire on the exterior and confirmed that the fire had moved inside to the first floor. Firefighters confirmed that all residents were out of the impacted wing, while law enforcement and facility staff evacuated the remaining residents.
Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control and work with the care facility team to return residents to unaffected units and relocate those who were impacted by the fire.
Two residents were checked out for minor injuries; one was transported for further care.
Fire investigators determined that the fire started in the exterior landscaping of the facility due to the improper disposal of smoking materials.
TVF&R was also assisted on scene by Portland Fire & Rescue, Lake Owego Fire Department, Tigard Police, Washington County Sheriff's Office, and AMR.
Source: TVF&R