'Smoker's Carelessness' Causes House Fire In Hillsboro: Fire Department

HILLSBORO, OR — Firefighters in southeast Hillsboro on Tuesday quickly tended to a residential fire reportedly caused by a "smoker's carelessness," Hillsboro Fire Department officials said. Twenty-three members of the Hillsboro Fire Department responded; no injuries were reported.

Around 1 p.m. June 6, firefighters responding to the 1600-block of Southeast Fir Grove Loop located a residential fire burning in the back corner of a garage. Adding to the firefighting challenge, the flames were reportedly igniting fireworks that had been stored in the same area.

Fire personnel quickly extinguished the fire and ensured no hot spots would reignite the garage or attached home, HFD spokesman Bruce Montgomery said.

An adult female resident told fire investigators she was alone with two children in the house when the fire started. According to Montgomery, the female resident said "she was nearing the door from the house to the garage (when) she heard what sounded like something burning and smelled smoke." Opening the garage door, she reportedly saw the fire burning in the back corner. Gathering the two kids, she escaped unscathed through the front door.

A neighbor called 911, Montgomery said, noting Hillsboro Fire Investigator Charles Marble determined "the fire was caused by a smoker's carelessness."

Montgomery also reminded residents — as the Independence Day holiday nears — to store their legally purchased-in-Oregon fireworks in a safe place.

For additional fire and life safety information visit the Hillsboro Fire Department website, or call 503-681-6166. And to stay informed with up-to-the-minute Hillsboro Fire Department news, follow @HillsboroFire on Twitter.

Photo Courtesy: Hillsboro Fire Department