Fire at Hillsboro printing press causes $10,000 worth of damage | Business

Automatic sprinklers slowed a one-alarm fire that damaged a Hillsboro printing business in the evening on Oct. 27 until firefighters could arrive and snuff the flames. 

The blaze was reported to 911 dispatchers and Hillsboro firefighters responded at 6:41 pm to a report of a fire at Advantage Press and Copy located at 21440 NW Nicholas Court. 

When firefighters arrived, they found smoke in the adjoining businesses. The business where the fire was located had closed for the evening. Firefighters forced entry to the metal-clad building and found smoke levels down to the floor. They quickly found the fire, which had been held in check by an automatic sprinkler system, and extinguished the remaining flames.  The fire was under control in 20 minutes. Firefighters from Hillsboro were assisted by crews from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue. Crews remained on scene for another hour removing water from the business. 

Hillsboro Fire Investigators examined the fire scene, interviewed witnesses and determined the cause to be an oscillating fan that malfunctioned. The fan's motor apparently failed and ignited the plastic housing. The flames then extended to nearby shelving containing paper products and ended up causing an estimated $10,000 worth of damage. 

Firefighters say damage to the business would have been much worse without the aid of the building's automatic fire sprinkler system. 

Firefighters at Hillsboro Fire and Rescue reminds everyone to turn off and disconnect unnecessary appliances when leaving home or business. Always plug appliances and equipment containing motors or compressors directly into an outlet and avoid using extension cords. 

For more fire and life safety information, visit Hillsboro Fire Department's Web site or call 503-681-6166.