News Release from: Cornelius Fire Dept.
FAMILY NARROWLY ESCAPES FIRE THAT DAMAGES TRIPLEX IN CORNELIUS
Posted: July 25th, 2012 12:00 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-07/3753/56298/Cornelius_House_Fire_900_block_N._Davis_7.25.12_001.jpg (Firefighters at front door)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-07/3753/56298/Cornelius_House_Fire_900_block_N._Davis_7.25.12_007.jpg (Water onto roof vent)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-07/3753/56298/Cornelius_House_Fire_900_block_N._Davis_7.25.12_010.jpg (HFD Firefighter checking attic)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-07/3753/56298/Cornelius_House_Fire_900_block_N._Davis_7.25.12_033.jpg (Pan that caught fire)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-07/3753/56298/Triplex_Fire_945_N_Davis_St_7.25.2012_016.jpg (Damaged Kitchen)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-07/3753/56298/House_Fire_945_N_Davis_St_7.25.2012.pdf (Press Release)
Just before 8:00am today, July 25, Cornelius Fire Department was dispatched to a residential fire at 945 N Davis Street. Initial reports were of smoke coming from a triplex, firefighters arrived shortly after being dispatch and smoke blowing from the front door as well as a small amount of fire coming from a roof vent. Firefighters entered the structure and were able to quickly extinguish the fire located in the kitchen and the attic above it. Fire crews were able to keep the fire from spreading throughout the unit and also from spreading to two adjoining units. Firefighters remained on scene for about an hour extinguishing hot spots and helping salvage belongings of the residence.
At the time of the fire, three young residents were still asleep and the oldest brother had gone to the store quickly for some groceries. Upon him returning home, he saw the smoke and had to run into the house and wake up his family to get them out of the house. Without him alerting his family, this fire could have been deadly within a few minutes. There was a smoke alarm present, but the battery had been removed and wasn't working. There were also no fire sprinklers installed in the apartment that would have otherwise controlled this relatively small fire from damaging the home as much as it did.
The fire caused damage to the kitchen area as well as part of the attic. After investigation, it appears that a pan of oil was left unattended on the stove and the oil in the pan caught fire, which spread to nearby items and cabinets. The fire is initially estimated to have caused $30,000 to the structure and contents. Residents had very minor smoke inhalation as they exited the structure, but were not transported.
This fire is a great example of how a working smoke alarm can save a life if a fire occurs. This is the 2nd fire that has occurred recently in Western Washington County with smoke alarms not alerting residents due to missing batteries or no smoke alarm present. Due to this, both Cornelius Fire Department and Forest Grove Fire & Rescue will be conducting smoke alarm checks in the community in the near future.
Cornelius Fire was assisted on scene by firefighters from Forest Grove and Hillsboro.
Responding Information:
5 Engines
1 Truck
3 Chiefs
1 Investigator
25 Total Personnel
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