DECK FIRE DAMAGES NE HILLSBORO HOME (PHOTO)
News Release from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue
Posted on FlashAlert: July 19th, 2014 10:53 PM
Downloadable file: Back_Deck_Where_Fire_Started_07192014_Residential_Fire.jpg
A fire on the back deck of a northeast Hillsboro home caused extensive damage this evening. The blaze was reported to Washington County 9-1-1 dispatchers at 8:15pm. When Hillsboro firefighters from the Jones Farm Station #5 arrived, they found fire inside the garage and from the rear of a one story home located at 1832 NE 9th Avenue.
The crew from Engine #5 quickly extinguished the fire in the garage. Upon entering the home they discovered that the fire had gotten into the attic and a back office space. The crew from the next arriving engine attacked the fire from the rear of the house. Their combined efforts extinguished the fire within fifteen minutes.
The homeowner and his wife and were found safely outside having evacuated the home when they heard the sound of breaking glass caused by the flames. Because the fire started outside the home the smoke alarms inside had not yet sounded. The family will be staying with nearby neighbors.
After interviewing the homeowners and processing the scene for evidence Hillsboro Fire Investigator Joe Ligatich determined the cause for the fire to be improperly disposed of charcoal briquettes placed on the back deck of the home. Damage is estimated at $50,000.
A total of 21 firefighters from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue responded to the blaze. No firefighters were injured.
Hillsboro Fire and Rescue reminds all residents to:
*Allow coals to burn out completely and let ashes cool at least 48 hours before disposing.
*Dispose of cold ashes by wrapping in heavy-duty aluminum foil and placing in non-combustible container. Be sure no other combustible materials are nearby.
*If you must dispose of ashes before completely cooled, place them in a metal container and soak them with water.
For more fire and life safety information, visit: www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/fire or call 503-681-6166.
XXX
The crew from Engine #5 quickly extinguished the fire in the garage. Upon entering the home they discovered that the fire had gotten into the attic and a back office space. The crew from the next arriving engine attacked the fire from the rear of the house. Their combined efforts extinguished the fire within fifteen minutes.
The homeowner and his wife and were found safely outside having evacuated the home when they heard the sound of breaking glass caused by the flames. Because the fire started outside the home the smoke alarms inside had not yet sounded. The family will be staying with nearby neighbors.
After interviewing the homeowners and processing the scene for evidence Hillsboro Fire Investigator Joe Ligatich determined the cause for the fire to be improperly disposed of charcoal briquettes placed on the back deck of the home. Damage is estimated at $50,000.
A total of 21 firefighters from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue responded to the blaze. No firefighters were injured.
Hillsboro Fire and Rescue reminds all residents to:
*Allow coals to burn out completely and let ashes cool at least 48 hours before disposing.
*Dispose of cold ashes by wrapping in heavy-duty aluminum foil and placing in non-combustible container. Be sure no other combustible materials are nearby.
*If you must dispose of ashes before completely cooled, place them in a metal container and soak them with water.
For more fire and life safety information, visit: www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/fire or call 503-681-6166.
XXX
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