Officials Investigate Ore. Apartment Building Fire

Feb. 26--Twenty-two people and two dogs have been displaced after a fire at a Tualatin apartment complex.

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and the Lake Oswego Fire Department at 1:30 p.m. Sunday were called to the Rolling Hills Apartment Complex in the 19300 block of Southwest 65th Avenue in Tualatin on a report of a multiple-unit fire.

Once there, the first responders found a large group of residents watching smoke and fire billowing from the second story of the 10-unit building.

Before firefighters arrived, resident Francisco Patricio and another resident opened the door of the apartment where the fire originated to help the occupants. The two tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher, but were pushed back by the flames inside the unit, which were spreading to the floor above.

The three occupants of the apartment were able to escape the building by jumping from a balcony 10 feet from the ground. They were treated for smoke inhalation at Legacy Meridian Park Hospital, located across the street from the burning complex.

Firefighters worked for about an hour to fight the fire and extinguish hot spots.

Four apartments were damaged by water, fire and smoke. The American Red Cross is providing housing and other needs to the 22 residents who have been displaced.

Fire investigators were still on the scene Sunday night, examining material evidence and conducting interviews. The cause and a damage estimate are expected to be released Monday.

-- Molly Hottle; Twitter: @nwpdxreporter

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