News Release from: Hillsboro Fire and Rescue
CONTRACTOR/FORMER VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER SAVES ELDERLY WOMAN FROM BURNING HOME
Posted: December 13th, 2012 3:53 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-12/1821/60145/Fire_damage_at_entrance.JPG (Hillsboro Firefighters examine damage)
At 11:15 this morning Hillsboro Fire and Rescue was dispatched by Washington County 9-1-1 to a commercial fire at the Club 1201 Condominiums, 1281 NE 64th Ave. in Hillsboro. Upon arrival the crew of Hillsboro Fire and Rescue Engine 6 found flames and smoke coming through the open front door and the surrounding windows of unit 603 in the complex. The crew entered the home and quickly extinguished the fire which was burning just inside the door. Additional arriving crews began checking the surrounding condos for fire and clearing the smoke from the affected home and neighboring condos.
The resident who initially was thought to have been injured in the fire was examined on the scene by EMT's from Metro West Ambulance and found to be unharmed. Upon investigation it was discovered that the elderly woman was evacuated by a contractor who was working nearby. When the contractor/former volunteer firefighter saw smoke coming from the windows and heard the smoke alarms sounding he quickly dialed 9-1-1 and went to investigate. Kneeling at the front door he opened it to find heavy smoke from about waist high to the ceiling. Calling out, he discovered an elderly woman with limited mobility in the kitchen. He rushed in, picked her up and carried safely outside. The Red Cross will be providing shelter and assistance to the displaced resident.
Investigators from the Hillsboro Fire Department determined that the fire was caused by a log rolling out of the fireplace and igniting combustible materials placed near the fireplace. The fire was contained to the room of origin. There is no estimate of structural or property damage at this time. A total of 24 firefighters from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue responded to the fire. There were no reported injuries.
Hillsboro Fire and Rescue reminds you to:
*Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
*When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
*Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
*Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces that do not have a glass fireplace door.
*At the first signs of a fire evacuate and call 9-1-1 after you are safely outside.
*Once safely outside don't go back inside
-End-
Photo caption: Hillsboro Firefighters examine damage
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