4th And 5th Fires Damage New Homes In Bethany: TVF&R

BEAVERTON, OR — Two more homes fell victim to fire in the new housing development in the unincorporated Washington County community of Bethany, north of Beaverton, according to Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue officials. The latest structure fires mark the fourth and fifth in the area since Aug. 16.

Investigators believe all the incidents were arson.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Dec. 11, a Washington County deputy spotted fire at a home under construction at 7864 N.W. 169th Ave. The home next door was also beginning to catch fire when TVF&R first responders were dispatched.

When firefighters arrived, they began dousing both homes. Just after 1 a.m., the conflagration was elevated to a second alarm fire — resulting in the dispatch of additional firefighters.

With two ladder trucks on the main fire, TVF&R crews — with help from Hillsboro and Portland firefighters — suppressed both fires within 40 minutes, officials said, noting the firefighters had to contend with rapidly freezing water from their hoses during the battle.

Though it was nearing completion, the home at 7864 N.W. 169th Ave. is a total loss, officials said. The home next door reportedly sustained minor damage.

TVF&R fire investigators are working with arson detectives from the Washington County Sheriff's Office to determine whether the five fires were set intentionally.

The first occurred Aug. 16 at Northwest 169th Avenue and Northwest Trillium Street; the second started about a block away at Northwest 169th Avenue and Northwest Madrone Street Aug. 27; and the third fire occurred Nov. 21 near the intersection of Northwest 167th Avenue and Northwest Catalpa Street.

Washington County deputies have reportedly conducted more frequent patrols through the area since August, and the property developer, Noyes, has also hired a private security company.

Anyone with information about the fires is asked to call the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 503-846-2700.

Image via Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue