INVESTIGATION ONGOING [TOXIC EXPOSURE SICKENS 26 PATIENTS]

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue

At approximately 9:15 am this morning, a caller to 911 reported a strong smell inside Shari’s Restaurant located at 2185 NW 185th Avenue in Hillsboro. Rapid onset of symptoms was reported including coughing, burning sensation, and dizziness. It was initially reported that 25 people were inside the restaurant when people started experiencing symptoms.  Given the number of patients, the incident commander upgraded to a second alarm medical incident.

All persons inside the restaurant were able to evacuate safely. There were no reports of smoke, flames, or active fire. First arriving crews entered the building in protective gear with gas monitoring equipment to assess the exposure level and try to determine its source. Other firefighters accessed the roof of the restaurant to assess the HVAC equipment as a potential source. Those initial investigations were inconclusive. It was confirmed to be contained inside the restaurant so there was no risk of outside exposure to the public.

The incident commander requested a response from the TVF&R Hazardous Materials team. Within minutes, that specialty team arrived to further investigate. Working in coordination, Hillsboro Fire firefighters and TVF&R HazMat team members re-entered the restaurant and roof. After further investigation, the area of origin and the probable source was an HVAC unit mounted to the roof of the restaurant.

In total, 26 patients were medically assessed on scene. Seven were transported to local hospitals via Metro West Ambulance. Others who were medically evaluated on the scene left on their own and may have also sought additional medical care at local hospitals. No life-threatening injuries were reported.

A Hillsboro Fire Investigator responded to the scene and will continue to work with HVAC experts to determine a cause. No official cause or determination of the toxic substance has been provided at this time.

Forty-two firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene including eight ambulances.

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue was assisted by and expresses its thanks to its partners from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Hillsboro Police, and Metro West Ambulance.

UPDATE: ***May 17, 2021***

No cause has been determined yet and the source of the exposure has not been officially identified. The investigation is ongoing and an update will be provided when new information is available.