One dead in Forest Grove residential fire

Wednesday morning update:

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue said in a social media post that Tuesday evening's fatal residential fire occurred on 26th Avenue near A street.

Arriving just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, FGF&R crews noted light smoke coming from the structure and found the occupant of the house inside while looking for the source of the fire.

After promptly removing the occupant away from the smoke-filled building, fire crews determined the occupant had died.

"Remaining crews from [the Cornelius Fire Department] extinguished the fire," FGF&R said.

The Forest Grove Police Department and the Washington County Medical Examiner are investigating the cause of the occupant's death.

"We understand that in the age of social media that answers are sometimes easily accessible, but often times with incidents like this, we can't release full details until all involved entities have completed their full investigation. And even after that, some details cannot be released to the public," FGF&R said.

"We ask that comments and speculation be kept to yourself as family, friends and neighbor grieve the loss of our community member," the fire department added.

Also assisting on scene were Gaston Rural Fire District, Banks Fire District, AMR Washington County, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Original story below:

One person is dead following a house fire near the corner of A Street and 26th Ave., Forest Grove Fire & Rescue said in a message to News in the Grove.

"Fire is under control, crews are investigating and working with [the Forest Grove Police Department], FGF&R spokesperson Dave Nemeyer said.

Also responding to the scene were crews from the Banks Fire District and Gaston Fire District.

An eyewitness at the scene noted that 26th Ave. was closed before A Street and that numerous emergency vehicles were in the area just before 7 p.m.

This is a developing story. More information will be published as it is confirmed.