Juveniles With Illegal Fireworks Start Brush Fire In Tualatin Monday Night

TUALATIN, OR — Two juveniles setting off illegal Roman Candle-style fireworks lit a brush fire off Southwest Cowlitz Drive in Tualatin Monday night, requiring the assistance of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews, according to fire officials. Both of the 12-year-old juveniles were referred to the Washington County juvenile authorities for reckless burning.

Around 9:45 p.m. July 17, TVF&R crews from Elligsen Road Station 56 were dispatched to fight the fast-moving brush fire, which reportedly originated in a green space near two homes. Fire officials said several hundred feet of hose was rolled out in order for firefighters to effectively combat the blaze as it burned along a near vertical embankment.

It took fire crews about an hour to successfully gain control and extinguish the blaze, which ultimately burned an area estimated to be 100-feet by 140-feet, officials said, noting that investigators will fully assess the damage Tuesday.

Due to the cause of the fire, TVF&R officials remind residents of the dangers of using illegal fireworks — particularly during extreme dry weather — and ask the community to adhere to the county burn ban, which took effect July 10.

For more information and tips on how to protect your home from a potential wildfire, visit www.tvfr.com.

This post has been updated to include the ages and charges for the two juvenile suspects.

Photo Courtesy: Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue