On Friday evening, around 6:30 p.m., crews from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to a large barn fire on Southwest Labrousse Road near Southwest Middleton Road in Sherwood, Oregon. The structure, a tin‑sided barn, was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.

Because the blaze occurred in a rural setting, the department had to haul water to the scene, a logistical challenge that underscored the dedication of local first responders. The crews worked diligently to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings and homes.

While battling the inferno, firefighters faced several serious hazards. Inside the burning barn, ammunition stored for hunting purposes began to explode, creating dangerous shrapnel and loud detonations. In addition, welding equipment and a propane tank located nearby added to the risk profile, forcing crews to adjust tactics and maintain a safe distance where possible.

Despite these complications, the fire department managed to bring the fire under control in roughly one hour. Officials believe the fire originated from a chimney attached to a wood stove, a common source of accidental ignitions in older agricultural structures.

“Our teams acted quickly and safely under extremely hazardous conditions,” said a spokesperson for Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. “The community can be confident that we are prepared to handle even the most dangerous incidents, protecting both lives and property.”

Community Impact and Safety Reminder

The incident serves as a reminder to property owners in rural areas to store ammunition, propane tanks and other combustible materials away from heat sources. Proper maintenance of wood‑stove chimneys and regular inspections can also reduce the likelihood of similar fires.

Local residents expressed gratitude for the swift response. “We’re thankful our fire department was there so fast and kept the fire from spreading,” said a neighbor who lives nearby.

The barn was severely damaged, and investigators will continue to assess the cause and any potential code violations. No injuries were reported among firefighters or residents.

As Sherwood recovers from the incident, the community looks forward to rebuilding and reinforcing safety practices to prevent future emergencies.

Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.