News Release from: Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue
FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO RESIDENTIAL FIRE; TREAT OCCUPANT FOR SMOKE INHALATION
Posted: January 11th, 2013 3:46 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2013-01/1214/60823/Smoke_Venting.jpg
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2013-01/1214/60823/FF_on_Roof.jpg
Today at 12:24 p.m., Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to the report of a house fire at 9600 S.W. North Dakota Street in Tigard. Initial reports indicated that the fire, originally thought to be extinguished by a resident, was now spreading inside the residence. First-arriving crews found smoke coming from the attic vents and eaves of the two-story residence. Crews quickly confirmed that all occupants were safely outside and entered the structure to locate and extinguish the fire. Their efforts were hampered initially by heavy black smoke and significant debris throughout the home. Upon being located, the fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the first floor of the residence. TVF&R paramedics also treated one of the occupants that was home at the time of the fire for smoke inhalation. That patient was transported to the hospital to be evaluated.
Firefighters limited fire and smoke damage to the main portion of the residence. Fire investigators remain on scene working to determine the cause of the fire. There is no damage estimate available at this time.
The residence appears to not have had working smoke alarms at the time of the fire. Public Information Manager Karen Eubanks states, "This situation could have involved loss of life or additional injury had this fire occurred in the middle of the night while the occupants were sleeping." Smoke alarms are designed to activate early while a fire is still small and deadly smoke has not yet filled escape routes. Working smoke alarms provide time - time for occupants to escape and time for firefighters to respond to save lives and protect property. In addition to working alarms, TVF&R recommends having a fire escape plan. Fire doubles in size every 30 seconds so it is also critical that individuals know what to do when the alarm sounds.
See how deadly a house fire can be and learn how to protect yourself by watching TVF&R's Home Fire Escape Plan video on its YouTube channel. Individuals without a working smoke alarm can also contact TVF&R for a free alarm or battery replacement.
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