Separate Residential Fires Displace Residents in Oregon and Rhode Island

What Happened

Two distinct house fires occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026, on opposite ends of the United States. In Forest Grove, Oregon, emergency crews responded to a two-alarm blaze at a split-level residence in the 3100 block of Lavina Drive. The fire, which originated in the garage, spread to the main living area before being contained by multiple fire departments. During the cleanup and inspection for hot spots, a firefighter from the Cornelius Fire Department was injured by falling debris and transported to a hospital.

In Providence, Rhode Island, a separate fire broke out at a wood-frame house on Creighton Street. This exterior fire breached the home's interior through a soffit, resulting in the displacement of six occupants. No injuries were reported in the Providence incident, and the sole occupant of the Oregon home also evacuated safely.

Key Facts

• The Forest Grove fire was reported at approximately 12:20 a.m. and escalated to a second alarm by 12:30 a.m.
• A dozen bicycles and a five-foot retaining wall obstructed the primary entrance for firefighters in Oregon.
• The Providence fire was reported at approximately 4:40 a.m. and moved from the exterior to the interior of the structure.
• Six people were displaced by the Providence fire, while the Oregon home sustained significant damage to its garage and main level.
• Fire investigators in both Oregon and Rhode Island have yet to determine the specific causes of the blazes.

Background

The Oregon response required collaboration between several regional agencies, including Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Cornelius Fire Department, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Gaston Fire District, and Banks Fire District. In Rhode Island, the Providence Fire Department managed the response to the wood-frame structure fire.