News Release from: Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue
SECOND ALARM FIRE ON BULL MOUNTAIN DAMAGES TWO HOMES
Posted: September 16th, 2012 1:30 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-09/1214/57665/bull_mountain_fire_3.jpg
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-09/1214/57665/bull_mountain_fire_2.jpg
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-09/1214/57665/bull_mountain_fire.jpg
At 10am this morning, neighbors of the home located at 13168 SW Morningstar Drive called 9-1-1 to report a fire burning hedges and spreading quickly towards the roof. Within four minutes of being dispatched, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue's Engine 50* arrived and began an aggressive interior and exterior fire attack. The homeowners had evacuated as the fire was consuming the outdoor deck and spreading into the home's attic. Witnesses described flames extending more than thirty feet in the air, with radiant heat blowing out the window of a nearby home and beginning to burn wood shingles on the roof.
With the large body of flames, the commanding officer called for additional resources to ensure the fire was quickly contained and didn't spread to more homes, particularly since many have highly-flammable wood shake roofs. Additionally, the area is considered a wildland urban interface where homes are nestled between spans of timber and heavy vegetation posing a higher risk of wildfire. Approximately 48 fire personnel responded.
Within 40 minutes, firefighters had extinguished the main fire and limited damage to only a small portion of the neighboring home's roof. The bulk of the fire, water and smoke damage occurred to the decking, siding and attic of the main fire home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the area of origin has been confirmed as the row of thick, arbor vitae hedges in the backyard. One of the homeowners sustained minor lacerations and burns to his hands, which firefighter paramedics treated on scene.
Due to the high temperatures, firefighters applied fire-retardant foam to the roof and landscaping of nearby homes to prevent embers from kindling another blaze. Neighbors were also encouraged to wet down bark dust in their yards.
A damage estimate is not available at this time and the fire remains under investigation.
*Station 50 was built in 2009 and was the first new fire station to be added to the Fire District's service area in over a decade. Responding to calls in Tigard, King City and other parts of Washington County, the station has improved response times in an area that has seen explosive growth in recent years. http://www.tvfr.com/aboutus/bond/stations/station50.aspx
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