Beaverton Three-Alarm Fire Challenges Firefighters

A gas-fueled fire at a manufacturing facility in Beaverton went to three-alarms, forced the evacuation of the building and took firefighters more than one hour to bring under control. It happened Thursday afternoon at Tosch Quartz.

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Callers to 911 told dispatchers that the fire had started on the second floor and gas was filling up the building.

Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue quickly helped evacuate the building and rescue one patient who was taken to the burn unit at Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

Because of the gas fueling the fire and the presence of oxygen and hydrogen tanks, the department's Hazardous Materials Team was called out to help contain the fire and make sure that fuel sources were turned off.

They were able to contain the fire from spreading.

Fire investigators started their work Thursday evening and will return on Friday in an effort to figure out where and how the fire started.

Battalion Chief Kelly Bach stated that the "crews did an extraordinary job of immediately identifying the nature of the fire they were facing, especially with the onsite chemicals that they were able to isolate from the fire. They rapidly extinguished the fire, preventing extensive damage to the business."

TVF&R crews were assisted by Portland Fire & Rescue to fight the fire and Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies, who assisted with closing the road to ensure the safety of the scene.

Photo TVF&R