A neighbor used a fire extinguishers to contain a small fire following an explosion that injured one occupant at a Tualatin Valley condominium complex on Nov. 29.
Just after 7 p.m., Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, Portland Fire and Rescue and Washington County Sheriff's Office units responded to reports of an explosion in the 7600 block of SW Barnes Road.
First-arriving firefighters were met by several excited residents who confirmed that they heard a loud bang and saw flames from a second-story unit. Crews began to render medical care to the sole male occupant of the affected unit who sustained burns to his upper torso and face.
Additional firefighters searched the building to ensure that no one else was injured as a result of the explosion, which blew out the back portion of the affected unit.
Most of the fire had already been extinguished by a neighbor, who responded immediately after hearing the blast. He used three extinguishers to snuff several spot fires and his quick action prevented the fire spreading to nearby condominiums.
The incident is currently being investigated by Washington County Sheriff's Office with support from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue. There is no damage estimate available at this time and no other residents were displaced.
The man was transported by Metro West Ambulance to the hospital.
