A devastating two-alarm house fire in Tualatin has tragically claimed the life of one resident and displaced a large family, prompting an outpouring of community support. The blaze erupted around 7 p.m. on Monday, October 6, at a home in the 20900 block of Piute Court.
According to a press release from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R), 911 dispatchers received multiple calls reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence’s garage. Upon arrival, fire crews were met with intense fire conditions that had already spread from the garage to the front of the home. The Incident Commander quickly called a second alarm, bringing nearly 50 firefighters from TVF&R and assisting agencies to the scene.
Firefighters immediately initiated an aggressive attack and search operation after receiving reports that an adult occupant was unaccounted for inside. Crews located the individual and transferred them to medical personnel. In total, five people received medical evaluation and treatment, with four transported to local hospitals for varying injuries.
The family involved has since been identified as the Volks, a family of nine who had lived in the home since 2002. On Wednesday, officials from TVF&R confirmed that 38-year-old Michelle Volk, who was seriously injured in the fire, passed away. The family also lost a dog and a cat in the blaze and remains displaced as the home is unlivable. TVF&R investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the benefit of the Volk family. gofund.me/7d7b2f5d2. Community members are encouraged to contribute to assist the family during this challenging time.
