A 68-year-old man was found dead after a two-alarm fire ripped through a Cornelius home early Wednesday, turning a quiet morning into a fatal emergency. Crews from the Cornelius Fire Department and Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived to find heavy flames pouring from the house and worked to knock down the fire before investigators could safely get inside, authorities said.
Emergency crews were first called to the home at 1378 Baseline Street on Tualatin Valley Highway at about 7:40 a.m. A second alarm quickly brought in additional units. Eastbound Baseline Street was shut down between North 10th Avenue and South 14th Avenue while firefighters battled the blaze and deputies directed traffic, urging drivers to find another way around the scene. As reported by KPTV (FOX 12), responders called for more resources as the fire fight stretched through the morning.
Video and photos taken by a bystander captured flames punching through the roof while firefighters cut into the attic to ventilate the home and attacked the fire from ladder trucks. Local coverage showed a Hillsboro Fire & Rescue ladder truck pulling up to assist and crews using saws to open up the roof during the effort to get control of the blaze. News in the Grove published those images along with additional details from the scene.
Investigation
The victim was identified as Jerome "Jerry" Milliken, 68, who lived in the Baseline Street home, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive. The Washington County Sheriff's Office said that once the flames were out, investigators entered the damaged house and began working alongside fire investigators to track down where the blaze started and what caused it. Officials reported that no arrests had been made and that the investigation remains active.
Road closures and what officials say
Washington County deputies issued traffic alerts asking drivers to steer clear of the area while firefighters remained on scene and investigators processed the home. The sheriff's online news page lists contact information for tips and media questions, and officials are asking anyone who has video or other information about the fire to contact authorities. Updates are being posted through the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Neighbors described a frightening start to the day as fire crews worked to bring the flames under control and investigators tried to reconstruct how the deadly blaze unfolded. The sheriff's office and fire investigators say more details will be released as their work continues.
