3-Alarm Fire Burns 3 Homes In Aloha

ALOHA, OR — Multiple agencies, including Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, responded to a three-alarm fire in a residential area in the unincorporated Washington County community of Aloha Thursday, according to TVF&R officials.

The fire, located in the 1500-block of Southwest 201st Avenue near Southwest Fritz Place, was first reported shortly before 1 p.m. The initial calls indicated a tree and fence were burning. When fire crews from Aloha Station 62 arrived on-scene, however, they found it was much worse.

By 1 p.m. Thursday, temperatures were already reaching 100 degrees; that combined with the low humidity and slight breeze made for the perfect conditions for fire to spread quickly, fire officials said. At its peak, the fire burned across three properties.

According to TVF&R officials, fire crews battled the conflagration for about 40 minutes while wearing roughly 90 pounds of protective gear. Supporting crews ensured the firefighters stayed cool and properly hydrated, officials said.

By 1:30 p.m., TVF&R Fire Chief Michael Duyck Tweeted the fire had been "knocked down."

The Hillsboro Tribune reported a young boy had been burned in the fire and was being treated. Fire officials Thursday evening corrected that, however, and confirmed it was an adult male who was evaluated for minor burns.

No damage estimate is available at this time, officials said, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

This post will be updated when more information is made available.

Photo Courtesy: Washington County Sheriff's Office