Fire Completely Destroys Home Outside Cornelius Early Friday

CORNELIUS, OR — It took 30 firefighters more than an hour to extinguish a blaze that completely destroyed a home southeast of Cornelius early Friday. No injuries were reported and the homeowners were reportedly out of town.

Cornelius firefighters were dispatched just before 3:45 a.m. July 13 to the 1400-block of Southwest 345th Avenue. Even though crews arrived within minutes of the call, the rear of the home was already engulfed in fire when they began firefighting efforts.

With no fire hydrants nearby, fire authorities had to truck in water via five separate water tenders.

Joined by fire crews from Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, Banks, and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Cornelius firefighters spent more than an hour knocking down the blaze and about two more hours afterward just putting out hot spots, officials said.

The home and all its contents, including a van that was in the garage, are considered a total loss. Fire officials estimate the total value around $350,000.

Cornelius Fire Department wants to remind everyone, that not all fires can be prevented, but if a fire occurs you can take steps to be prepared:
* Have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your house and in each bedroom. Also test it monthly.
* Know two ways out of every room in your house (through a door or window).
* Make sure all doors stay closed, this simple task can prevent fire from spreading into a room.

Images via Cornelius Fire Department