Seven Left Homeless After Tuesday Morning Fire, Hillsboro Fire Officials Say

HILLSBORO, OR – A Tuesday morning residential fire in Hillsboro has left seven people homeless.

Shortly after 9 a.m. March 21, Hillsboro Fire Department crews from Station 1 were dispatched to a residential fire in the 200-block of Southeast Cedar Street near downtown.

Upon their arrival, firefighters reportedly saw smoke rising from underneath a single-level modular home. Four males –– ages 13, 19, 23, and 24 –– were in the home when the fire started, but safely evacuated before calling 911.

Two other adult residents and one minor resident were not home at the time.

Inside the home, firefighters found an active fire burning through the floor in a bathroom, which they quickly extinguished, according to fire department spokesman Bruce Montgomery.

Entry points cut into the floor for access to the fire and severe damage to sewer and water lines have left the home uninhabitable for now, Montgomery said. Altogether, 21 firefighters responded. No injuries were reported.

Hillsboro Fire Investigator Martin Stapleton determined the fire was caused by a furnace malfunction.

No Red Cross assistance was needed, Montgomery said, noting that the residents’ insurance is expected to cover the damages.

For fire and safety information, including suggestions for how to maintain home heating systems, visit the Hillsboro Fire Department website, or call 503-681-6166.

Photo Courtesy: Hillsboro Fire Department