SHERWOOD, Ore. — Firefighters prevented a large barn fire from spreading to nearby buildings Sunday evening after responding to a fully involved structure fire in rural Sherwood.
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) crews were dispatched at approximately 6:32 p.m. to the 24000 block of SW Labrousse Road after residents reported that a large barn was engulfed in flames and threatening nearby structures.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy flames coming through the roof of a large metal-clad pole barn, with thick smoke pouring from multiple openings. Due to the severity of the fire and concerns about the building’s structural stability, crews determined it was unsafe to enter and launched a defensive attack from outside.
The rural location presented additional challenges because the property does not have fire hydrants. Water had to be transported to the scene using TVF&R water tenders.
Firefighters concentrated on containing the blaze to the barn while protecting surrounding buildings and property. Crews also had to contend with several hazards, including ammunition exploding inside the structure, welding equipment in the fire area and a large propane tank near the burning building.
Despite the dangerous conditions, firefighters successfully prevented the flames from spreading to nearby structures.
The fire was brought under control at approximately 7:26 p.m. Crews remained at the scene to extinguish hot spots and complete overhaul operations.
Preliminary findings indicate the fire started with a chimney fire involving a wood stove inside the barn.
TVF&R reminds homeowners to have chimneys and wood-burning appliance systems professionally cleaned and inspected every year to help prevent chimney fires and potentially devastating structure fires.
American Medical Response (AMR) assisted firefighters at the scene.
