Forest Grove house fire kills resident, injures firefighter

According to fire officials, a resident was killed and a firefighter was hospitalized Friday after a two-alarm house fire in Forest Grove.

According to a statement from the Forest Grove Fire Department, the fire broke out in the 1900 Block of A Street at approximately 5:15 p.m.

As firefighters arrived on the site, they noticed a column of smoke coming from the burning house. According to fire authorities, they decided to elevate the fire to a 2-alarm fire in order to bring in additional firefighters from the Cornelius, Hillsboro, Tualatin Valley, Banks, and Gaston departments.

According to officials, when firefighters arrived, the side of the house that was divided into multiple flats was on fire. Before Forest Grove firefighters arrived on the site, two residents, an off-duty firefighter, and a retired deputy fire marshal from Hillsboro Fire & Rescue were rescuing the residents from the second floor of the house using a ladder, according to officials.

According to officials, when firefighters investigated the residence, they discovered one individual dead inside the flaming structure. The deceased person’s identity has not been made public by fire officials.

According to officials, firemen had to flee and battle the fire from the outside when it swiftly spread to the attic and threatened the house’s roof.

Firefighters were able to put out the fire within an hour, but officials claimed it took two more hours to completely put out smoldering hot spots in the attic and walls.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Crime, public safety, and local news are all topics covered by breaking news reporter Tatum Todd. You can contact them at 503-221-4313 or ttodd@oregonian.com.

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