A vigilant homeowner was working in his garage when he heard kids running down the alley behind his home. When he went to check what was going on, he noticed that a fence about 20 yards away was on fire. He called for his wife to get a fire extinguisher and help put out the fire while he got into his pickup truck and followed the youths.
After following them to a local 7-11 convenience store, the homeowner called Police. Portland Police and a Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Investigator were quickly dispatched to the scene to interview the suspects. The homeowner, who will remain anonymous for his own protection, was able to identify all three youths in a Police line up.
As Portland Fire investigators compared notes, they started to examine a string of alley fires that have happened over the past four months. Investigators noted two items of interest; every time they interviewed the neighbors around the area of the fires they all said that there were not many kids in the neighborhood. Additionally, investigators could see a pattern since all fires occurred on Thursday nights.
After being interviewed, the youths confessed to lighting the fire in question and five other fires in the area which involved a portable restroom, fence, and recycle bins. Most of the fires occurred near the 3800 block of SE 64th Street.
When investigators asked the youths what they were doing in the neighborhood on Thursdays, they stated that they were attending youth group at a nearby church and would sneak out of youth group at break to light the fires.
An arrest in the case came on May 24, 2012. A 15-year-old male is charged with 2 counts of Arson II, 1 count of reckless burning, and 3 counts of criminal mischief. He will appear in juvenile court in the near future. No further arrests have been made at this time.
"After solving this frustrating string of arson crimes near SE 64th Street, we hope neighbors will all sleep easier at night," said PIO Paul Corah.
In another interesting twist, investigators learned that the individual, whose 9-1-1 call led to the apprehension of a suspect, was on probation for his own criminal past. Investigators believe that if this homeowner had not reported the fire and location of the suspects, the fires may have continued and caused more damage or possible injuries.
Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003
May 2012
Ty Kovatch, Chief of Staff
Aaron Johnson, Policy Advisor
Sara Petrocine, Policy Advisor
Anna DiBenedetto, Staff Asst.
Kenneth Edwards, Staff Asst.
Stuart Oishi, Staff Asst.
Recent Posts
- Portland Fire Investigators Solve String of Arson Fires with Help from Vigilant Homeowner
- Welcome back Trevor
- Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Early Morning House Fire at 8105 SE Francis
- Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to an Overnight Residential Structure Fire at 217 NE Skidmore; One Man Displaced
- Congatulations to Steve Novick, Commissioner of Public Safety elect
- Oregon Health Authority Denies Portland's Request for More Time to Complete Reservoir Compliance Schedule
- Randy In the News 5.17.12
- Another Happy Portland Loo customer!
- **Updated Fire Cause, Damage, and Injury Information** Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to 2nd Alarm Apartment Fire at 7939 SW 40th Avenue
- Introducing the newest member of Randy's office
May 25, 2012
May 24, 2012
Welcome back Trevor
After interning with our office for several summer's, Trevor has graduated from college and joined our staff.
Trevor Beltz is a native Portlander – an alumnus of Woodrow Wilson High School – and was an intern in Commissioner Leonard’s office for several summers. Trevor received a Bachelor of Arts in Government at Claremont McKenna College, in Southern California, before moving back to Oregon. He enjoys photography, water sports, football, and reading comic books.
Trevor.beltz@portlandoregon.gov (503)823-4683
May 23, 2012
Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Early Morning House Fire at 8105 SE Francis
Early this morning at 4:28 am, firefighters from Portland Fire Station 11 (Lents) were called to a house fire located at 8105 SE Francis. Neighbors reported that heavy smoke and flames were coming from the back of the house, and neighbors also indicated that no one has lived at the home for months.
Upon arrival, Engine 11 noticed cars parked in the driveway so they immediately went into a fire attack / rescue mode. The fire that was coming out of the structure along the west side of the home was so intense that the vinyl siding on the neighbor's house was beginning to melt. While Engine 11 was going inside to attack the fire, Engine 25 (Woodstock) pulled a hoseline between the two homes to protect the neighbor's house and prevent further damage.
The fire swept quickly through the two-story home and caused extensive damage to the structure. Hydrant supply lines had to be pulled across 82nd Avenue and Francis Street, which closed the major thoroughfare for a period of three hours.
The homeowner was contacted a short time after firefighters arrived and informed about the fire. Fire investigators arrived on scene to determine the cause of the fire, which is undetermined at this point. There is no estimated damage to report at this time.
Portland Fire & Rescue would like to remind neighbors to keep a watchful eye on neighboring properties that might be vacant or unattended. That information, when given to firefighters upon arrival at an emergency scene, can be vital.
Contact Info: Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah, media pager (503) 940-6003
May 21, 2012
Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to an Overnight Residential Structure Fire at 217 NE Skidmore; One Man Displaced
An overnight fire in a one-and-a-half-story home displaced one man and caused extensive damage to the structure and an adjacent vehicle.
Evacuating prior to the arrival of fire crews, the sole resident was evaluated on scene by fire paramedics and refused transport.
Neighbors telephoned fire dispatch early this morning to report the fire. Engine 24 (Overlook/Swan Island) arrived first on-scene and initiated fire attack; advancing hose lines while searching for additional residents. A primary and secondary search confirmed the absence of additional residents. Rescue of potential victims is the first priority at any incident; fires occurring in residential structures at night are cause for extra concern as evenings are a time during which most people are at home and often sleeping.
Members of Engine 8 (Kenton), assigned to RIT, evaluated the structure for hazards; the team identified a compromised overhead power line and the presence of a difficult to access basement. RIT is an acronym for Rapid Intervention Team; the primary function of a RIT is the provision of firefighter safety and immediate response to a firefighter in need. A RIT is established on every working fire.
Because flames can extend anywhere within a structure, crews checked the entire building for fire. On the top floor of the home crews discovered fire behind the walls. Equipped with tools to "open up" the walls, firefighters gained access to the hidden spaces and extinguished the balance of the fire.
Though dispatchers report a charcoal barbecue on the front porch of the home suspected, fire investigators are on scene working to determine and/or confirm the true cause of the fire.
The brother of the resident was en route to the scene to assist the man with making arrangements for the evening.
No damage estimates are available at this time.
Response Times:
01:53 Alarm Dispatched
01:58 First Crews Arrived
02:26 Fire Recalled
Contact Info: Public Information Officer Gabriel Watson
503-940-6003
May 18, 2012
Congatulations to Steve Novick, Commissioner of Public Safety elect
Portland City Council Elections took place on Tuesday, May 15th, the ballots have been counted, and the results are in- with 75% of the popular vote, Steve Novick will be the new Commissioner of Public Safety come January 1st, 2013. Congratulations, Steve!
Oregon Health Authority Denies Portland's Request for More Time to Complete Reservoir Compliance Schedule
PORTLAND, OR– The Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division Drinking Water Program (OHA) today denied the Portland Water Bureau’s request for an adjustment to its regulatory schedule to replace the uncovered drinking water reservoirs at Mt.Tabor and Washington parks. The decision by OHA means that Portland’s existing regulatory schedule to end the use of the uncovered reservoirs by December 31, 2020 remains in effect. Portland had requested an extension of that schedule to the year 2026.
“We are very disappointed in this decision,” said Portland Water Bureau Administrator David Shaff. “We made a case to the state that was very similar to the one made by New York City in successfully extending its reservoir compliance schedule. Oregon is clearly choosing a very different approach for administering federal drinking water rules.”
The Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2), issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2006 requires that all uncovered finished drinking
water reservoirs in the United States either be covered or have treatment facilities installed at the outlets. In March 2009 Portland entered into a compliance schedule with EPA to end the use of its uncovered reservoirs by the year 2020. When the State of Oregon took primacy for the rule in July 2009, the Oregon Health Authority assumed enforcement responsibilities for the compliance schedule.
Portland submitted a detailed request for an extension to its uncovered reservoir compliance schedule in February 2012 based largely on the challenges of successfully managing the several large design and construction projects that would be necessary to complete the work by 2020. Similar arguments about the sequencing of large projects were cited by New York City when it succeeded in its request for an extension to its own reservoir compliance schedule in 2009.
To view the February 10, 2012 Portland Water Bureau deferral request, click here.
To view the May 17, 2012 letter from OHA denying deferral request, click here.
Terry Black, Water Bureau Public Outreach
May 17, 2012
Randy In the News 5.17.12
Portland Tribune article about Randy's being selected as one of Portland Community College's Diamond Alumni Award winners.
Another Happy Portland Loo customer!
"Those in charge must know that as of yesterday I am a huge fan of the Portland Loo. Suddenly finding myself in serious, nay, desperate trouble on the way from my car to an important appointment (in the Pearl), I spied on the corner the Jamison Loo. I'd read about the Loo but never seen one, so I opened the door in some trepidation, but there it was, as if by magic, & it was beautiful - perfectly functional, clean, spacious, attractive. Its louvered association with the lively neighborhood outside was somehow a comfort to me as I did my business. Costly coin-operated alternatives touted by other cities that involve locking & self-cleaning are prehistoric compared to this brilliant design. If the Loo turns out to be Portland's greatest contribution to civilization, there are worse things. Congratulations - & heartfelt thanks!"
- Anonymous
Please like the Portland Loo's Facebook page.
**Updated Fire Cause, Damage, and Injury Information** Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to 2nd Alarm Apartment Fire at 7939 SW 40th Avenue
Portland Fire investigators have determined that the cause of yesterday's 2-alarm fire at 7939 SW 40th Avenue was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials that were placed in a plastic container on a porch. The building, which was valued at $2,060,000, sustained an estimated $970,000 in damage.
Two firefighters were injured in yesterday's fire. They are both in stable condition. One is a 12-year veteran of Portland Fire & Rescue; the other has been with Portland Fire for 1 1/2 years. One firefighter sustained burns to his knee, ear, and hand; the other sustained burns to one hand and broke the other hand. Their names will not be released at this time. Another firefighter fell through the roof during firefighting operations but was uninjured.
Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens to always dispose of smoking materials, or any other ashes, in a metal container with a secure lid. It is also important to note that with the heat in the summer months, improperly discarded smoking materials can cause fires to start and spread even more rapidly than in cooler conditions.
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Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of an apartment building on fire at 7939 SW 40th (The Village at Multnomah) at 4:11 pm. Additional callers to 9-1-1 reported that they could see a black cloud of smoke and flames coming from the building and that a babysitter and child were possibly trapped inside one of the units.
Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 18 (Multnomah Village) arrived first on scene three minutes after receiving the call. Firefighters immediately pulled a hose line and began advancing to perform a search and rescue of the babysitter and child in one of the fire units. They simultaneously called for a second alarm response, bringing additional firefighters and apparatus to help fight the fire which was spreading to additional units.
As firefighters searched for trapped victims, the flames and heat became so intense that firefighters were forced back out of the unit. Two firefighters received burns to their knees and wrists and suffered heat exhaustion. They were treated at the scene by Portland Fire paramedics and transported to the Emanuel Burn Center with non-life threatening injuries. Fortunately, it was later determined that the babysitter and child had safely escaped prior to firefighters' arrival.
Six condominium units were involved in fire, which resulted in eight people being displaced including seven adults and one baby. While firefighters were attacking the blaze a firefighter fell through the roof but it was determined that he was not injured. The fire was brought under control at 5:00 pm.
Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003
May 16, 2012
Introducing the newest member of Randy's office
We are very happy to have a new staff member on board! Welcome Kyanne!
Kyanne Probasco is the first line of contact in Commissioner Leonard's office, sitting at the front desk and answering the main phone line. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at George Fox University, and she uses it every day answering the phone! She loves fashion and interior design, reading, learning to cook – emphasis on "learning" – dancing, listening to music, spending time with friends, and going for long walks.
Kyanne can be reached at (503) 823-4682 or kyanne.probasco@portlandoregon.gov
Portland Fire & Rescue Hosts ATF Accelerant Canine Recertification
Out of 80 canine and handler teams across the United States, 21 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Accelerant Canine Teams are here in Portland for several days participating in an annual recertification. The recertification is being hosted by Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Lieutenant Fabian Jackson and his Accelerant Detection Canine "Lila."
Learn more about Lila and her job as PF&R's Accelerant Canine at http://www.portlandonline.com/fire/arsondog.
Media is encouraged to contact Portland Fire & Rescue Lieutenant and Public Information Officer Rich Tyler with any questions or to schedule interviews using the media pager: (503) 940-6003.
Firefighters such as Lieutenant Jackson solve arson fires with K-9 units, or accelerant canine. These accelerant canines are specially trained to sniff out evidence at the scene of a suspected arson crime. When there is a fire, the firefighters and police must try to figure out if the fire was an accident or intentional. The job of the accelerant canine is to help in finding that evidence which would point to a crime.
An accelerant canine is a dog which has been trained to respond to trace amounts of flammable materials which could have been used to start a fire. Materials like gasoline, hydrocarbons, among many others, are known as "accelerants," referring to the fact that they can be used to accelerate a fire. Accelerant canines are more properly known as accelerant-detection dogs, because they search for traces of accelerants which could be used to prove that a fire was caused due to arson.
During the recertification, each canine team's proficiency is tested (recertified) and the handlers are required to produce their training logs from the previous year. Handlers are also required to attend formal training on the latest advances in canine health and safety, as well as legal updates, practical field exercises, and formal testing.
These canine teams, from the western and mid-west regions, are used at fire scenes to detect the presence of accelerants used to start fires. The accelerant canines are trained to alert the handler when they detect the accelerants. These teams are deployed anywhere with in the United States and its territories. While they are in Portland, they have been given a unique opportunity.
A house fire that occurred yesterday, Monday, May 14 at 6:32 p.m. at 4612 SE Malden Dr completely destroyed the single story home. The cause of the house fire was accidental. An unattended candle caught nearby combustibles on fire and with the windows left open, the fire spread quickly throughout the house. This fire scene is providing the accelerant canines and handlers an opportunity to work a recent fire scene.
May 15, 2012
Fire Crews Save House when BBQ Briquettes Start Shed on Fire
At 11:59 p.m. last night, Tuesday, May 15, 2012, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched on a tree that was on fire at 2917 NE 8th Avenue. Station 13 (Lloyd District) arrived at 12:01 a.m., just two minutes later and discovered that the fire had extended to a 10' by 12' shed, 10 feet from the neighbor's house. Fire crews immediately pulled hose lines to the back of the house and attacked the flames coming from every part of the shed. Fire crews were able to stop the flames from catching the neighbor's house on fire. The fire was under control at 12:16 a.m.
Portland Fire & Rescue's Arson Investigators determined that the fire's cause was accidental & that a bag of BBQ Briquettes under a large BBQ had begun burning after an evening BBQ. The briquettes started the vegetation on fire which extended to the shed. The shed was a total loss at $5000.00.
Portland Fire & Rescue reminds all citizens to use caution when using a BBQ. Ensure the propane tank is completely turned off or that all briquettes have stayed in the BBQ when cooking is complete.
Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah, Media Pager (503)940-6003
May 14, 2012
Portland Fire & Rescue Saves Dog from Sinkhole. (5044 NE Alberta Ct.)
At 5:50 am Sunday morning personnel from Portland's Rose City/Hollywood Fire Station 28 were called to assist a resident who's dog had fallen into a hole. On arrival, firefighters were met by an elderly, disabled gentleman who led them to the backyard where they found the hole. Firefighters attempted to call the dogs name to no avail. They then gathered the necessary equipment to survey the hole without causing further cave in.
Firefighters used a ladder to bridge the hole and with the help of a flashlight were able to see inside. At the bottom of the 6' deep hole firefighters could see a dirty but otherwise apparently unharmed dog waiting. Firefighters immediately began widening the hole and executing a rescue plan. Once the hole was wide enough, Firefighters were able to secure the dog and pull him from the hole. The dog was then reunited with it's owner. The origin of the hole is unknown to the property owner. It may have been an old cistern, a cesspool or something else entirely. PF&R personnel will be working to get the homeowner in touch with the proper resources to fill the hole in permanently. Portland Fire & Rescue reminds residents that in the event of a cave in the surrounding ground may be unstable and rescue attempts by untrained individuals can make the problem worse. It's important to call 911 so that trained personnel can evaluate the situation and effect a safe rescue.
Contact Info: Lt. Rich Tyler, Media Pager (503) 940-6003
Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to House Fire Overnight at 930 NE 70th
Early Saturday morning (at 12:21 am) Firefighters from Portland's Mt. Tabor Fire Station 19 were called to a house fire at 930 NE 70th. When they arrived (in under 4 minutes) firefighters found a detached garage engulfed in flames with fire extending to the nearby home's attic. The homes occupants were safely outside and firefighters began aggressively attacking the fire. Firefighters from Ladder Truck 7 began opening up the ceiling inside the house to gain access to the fire.
These fires can be difficult as firefighters are essentially fighting two building fires at once. This forces constant reevaluation of priorities and strategy. The fire was recalled (declared under control) by 12:47 am. At this point firefighters began the"overhaul process" which entails sorting through fire debris looking for any remaining hot spots that could reignite the fire. Often during this process portions of the structure have to be cut away as they pose a collapse danger or block access to fire embers. The American Red Cross was called to assist the homes occupants (a family) with shelter as the home will be uninhabitable. No one was injured by this fire. The cause of this fire is undetermined at this point and damages are estimated at $50,000. Portland Fire & Rescue reminds the public to be vigilant as the weather gets warmer. Common causes of fire during the Summertime are: -Improperly discarded smoking products. -Improperly discarded barbecue Ash.
-Illegal or improperly used fireworks.
Contact Info: Lt. Damon Simmons, Media Pager (503)940-6003
May 11, 2012
Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Early Morning House Fire at 3725 N. Vancouver Ave.
At 4:45 am Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a house fire located at 3725 N. Vancouver Ave. When firefighters from Portland Fire Station 24 (Overlook/Swan Island) arrived, they found the homeowners standing out in the street waving and pointing in the direction of the fire. Firefighters were directed to the back alley where they could see heavy fire coming from the second story of the home.
Homeowners Dwayne and Regina Dennis told firefighters that they were awoken by all three fire alarms they had in the house. Regina Dennis recalls seeing a bright light coming from the upstairs bathroom and dialed 911. While Regina was calling 911, Dwayne Dennis started fighting the fire with one of three portable fire extinguishers they had in the house. They used one extinguisher after another while backing down the stairs together through the heat to safety.
Regina was shocked to see firefighters from Engine 24 pulling up when she arrived on the sidewalk - just three minutes after they received the call. Firefighters pulled attack hose lines from Engines 13 and 24 and aggressively made their way up to the second floor to the bathroom area where they extinguished the main body of fire. Fire damage extended to other rooms in the house, and the home suffered extensive smoke damage.
After the fire, Regina Dennis was looking through the fire debris pile and found the half melted face of a statue that she said had always brought her good luck. The statue was kept in the upstairs bathroom where the fire started. Regina held the partially-burned statue close to her and says her good luck charm has never let her down.
"This is a case where the homeowners did everything right and got out of the house quickly and safely," said Portland Fire Public Information Officer Paul Corah. "They had working smoke alarms, portable fire extinguishers, called 911, and met firefighters out front just as they should have."
Portland Fire investigators have determined that the cause of the fire was due to an electrical extension cord that was plugged into a space heater. Damage to the home is estimated at $100,000.
Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003
May 08, 2012
Portland Fire & Rescue Responds on Two Early Morning Fires
At 1:50 am Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a report of fire at the Taboo Video Store located at 237 S.E. Martian Luther King Jr. Blvd. When firefighter arrived from Station 1 (Old town) they found a small fire on the out side of the building. A Portland Police officer happen to be in the area of the fire when the broke out, the police office used a dry chemical fire extinguisher to put down most the of flames before firefighters arrived.
Damages to the building are estimated at $1,000 and fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire
The Second fire was at 2:55 am when firefighters arrived at a house fire located at 4339 N.E. 80th. When Station 12 (Sandy Blvd.) arrived they could see heavy fire coming from back of the house. Neighbors informed firefighters that the home was vacant, and had not seen anyone in the house for weeks.
When firefighters entered the house they could see that the fire had moved quickly into the attic and fire had self vented through the roof. Firefighters inside the house were moved outside temperately why'll waiting for more firefighters to arrive on scene to attack the fire. When firefighter had enough resources at the scene they attacked the fire with 3 hose teams and quickly put out the fire in the attic.
Neighbors stated that they smelled smoke around 10:00 pm in the area but thought the smoke was coming from a BBQ.
Damages to the house are estimated at $60,500 and fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
Contact Info: Contact Info: Contact Paul Corah 503-940-6003
Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to a House Fire at 1329 NE Holland
At 7:30 pm Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a house fire located at 1329 NE Holland. When firefighters from Portland Fire Station 14 (Alberta Park) arrived, they could see smoke coming from the basement area of the house.
The homeowner, in his mid-40's, met firefighters out front and informed them of where the fire was and that he was missing five animals - three cats and two dogs. Upon entering the structure, firefighters found that most of the fire was isolated in the basement and centered around the water heater where clothes hanging around the water heater were burning.
Firefighters quickly put out the fire and Portland firefighter/paramedics attended to the homeowner who was having difficulty breathing due to smoke inhalation. Firefighters determined that the homeowner was suffering from high levels of carbon monoxide poisoning. After initial treatment at the scene, he was transported to Providence Medical Center.
Firefighters quickly searched for and located all five animals, which were found in different parts of the house. Firefighters evacuated all the pets outside and monitored them for smoke inhalation; all five animals are saf
According to Portland Fire Battalion Chief Tom Williams, "There should be plenty of space between a water heater and any other materials and there should never be anything within two feet of any heating appliance."
Damages to the house are estimated at $10,000 and fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
Contact Info: Contact Paul Corah 503-940-6003
May 02, 2012
Portland Firefighters Overcome Language Barrier, Locate Family in Challenging House Fire at 2250 NE 81st
At 12:15 am, a fire was reported in a house located at 2250 NE 81st. When firefighters from Portland Fire Station 19 (Mt. Tabor) arrived, they encountered an occupant in front of the house who informed firefighters that there was fire inside the home. Due to a language barrier, firefighters were unclear whether the man's wife and two children had escaped the fire and immediately went into search and rescue mode. They searched all levels of the home looking for the three unaccounted for family members.
Simultaneously, two other fire crews arrived and directed firefighting efforts toward the basement where the fire was located. Radio traffic amongst first responders was busy with crews reporting back to command that they were unable to find the missing family members. Fire crews in the basement were also confronted with bars on the basement windows; this meant there was only one way in and out of the basement. The situation became a safety concern for firefighters, so a truck crew cut the bars off the windows to allow for additional escape routes for firefighters if needed.
With smoke still thick, crews reported back that no one was found in the basement. Command again questioned the man about the location of his family. They were able to determine a short time later that the family had safely evacuated and was waiting in a car in the back driveway of the home.
"This is a good example of how important a family fire escape plan is for families and firefighters," stated Portland Fire & Rescue Captain Kris Artman. "We urge families to develop an escape plan and have a central meeting point where all family members can meet and be seen by firefighters or other emergency responders."
Visit http://www.portlandonline.com/fire/homeescapeplan to learn how to develop and practice a home fire escape plan. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the damage estimate to the house is $25,000.
Contact Info: Contact PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003
