COMMISSIONER RANDY LEONARD'S BLOG

Portland's 5th Portland Loo to be opened next Tuesday! Join us!

You are invited to the 5^th Portland Loo Inaugural Flush

PORTLAND, OR— The fifth Portland Loo will open at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 31^st, 2012. Located at NW Couch and 8^th Avenue in the North Park Blocks, Commissioner Randy Leonard and city staff involved with the project will be joined by nearby Emerson School children and faculty for the first flush. 

“The Portland Loo has proven to be a very popular, affordable and successful solution to a basic human need that challenges communities all over the world,” said Commissioner Randy Leonard.  “Other cities are taking notice, as we just sold a Loo that is in service to Victoria, British Columbia, and several other cities are expressing interest.”

Located in the Pearl neighborhood, close to the popular destination with both tourists and residents alike- Powell’s Books- this Loo replaces the problem-plagued bathroom that was recently closed at SW Ankeny and 8^th Avenue.  One important group of users will be the neighboring school children from Emerson Elementary that use the playground on the same block.

The fifth Portland Loo will complement current Portland Loos on NW Glisan St between NW 4th and 5th Avenues, on Naito Parkway at both SW Taylor Street. and at Ash Street, and at Jamison Square Park on the corner of NW Johnson and 11^th Avenue.  The location and installation is the product of collaboration among the Portland Water Bureau, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, the Portland Bureau of Transportation and Emerson Elementary School. 

Designed and fabricated locally, the Portland Loo is attractive, functional, open 24 hours a day and more affordable than any other permanent toilet structure.  They are available for purchase from the City of Portland.  The Portland Loo is a modern, public urban toilet that pushes Portland into the future by making public restrooms available, safe, hygienic and sustainable. All the Portland Loos are cleaned and maintained semi-daily by Central City Concern staff.  The City of Portland received the City’s first ever design patent from the Federal Patent & Trademark Office for the Loo.   For more information on the Portland Loo, go to www.portlandloo.com.

Portland Firefighters Perform Perilous Nighttime Water Rescue in Willamette River

At 11:15 pm, Dan Sinclair was riding his bicycle along the Eastbank Esplanade headed southbound when he heard a voice calling for help from the river below. Upon scanning the water, he spotted someone splashing in the Willamette River about 25 yards off shore.

Sinclair immediately rode his bike the short distance to Portland Fire Station 21 (Eastbank/Hawthorne Bridge) to alert firefighters that someone needed help. Also on shore were two men, Sam Policar and Justin Wisdom, who were sturgeon fishing. While Sinclair went for help, Policar and Wisdom attempted to hook onto the man with their fishing lines to pull him to shore. Fortunately, the river’s current pushed the struggling man closer to shore. Wisdom took off his coat, poked one of his coat sleeves through a fence, and the man was able to grab on.

Portland firefighters responded from Station 21 with the Eldon Trinity rescue boat and from Station 1 (Old Town) with a rescue craft, which is operated by a driver and a rescue swimmer. Rescue Craft 1 spotted the man in the water where Wisdom was struggling to hold onto the man and water rushed over his body.

As Rescue Craft 1 driver Mike Held came alongside the man, Bill Schimel, a 12-year veteran of Portland Fire & Rescue, slid into the water and attempted to pull the man onto the platform of the water craft.

With the current running swift and high, Schimel began struggling to hang onto the man and pull him to safety. As the craft drifted along with the current, Held called upon Policar to assist him in steadying the craft from shore while he helped Schimel pull the man onto the rescue craft.

"I knew that if I lost my grip on him, he would drift under a massive debris field of logs that was floating just 100 yards downstream and likely be pulled under," said Schimel. "In my 12 years as a firefighter, this was the most dangerous rescue I’ve ever taken part in."

Firefighter Held immediately returned to Station 21 where firefighter/paramedics administered aid to the man and he was transported to Oregon Health Sciences University. It is unknown how the man in his 30’s ended up on the water.

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Read the Portland Tribune article about this story here.

Read the Oregonian coverage of the incident here.

Randy In the News 1.25.12

Oregonian op ed written by Randy in response to Steve Duin's column.

Randy In the News 1.23.12

Atlantic Cities article about the Portland Loo.

Like the Portland Loo on Facebook here.

Portland Fire & Rescue Launch Aggressive Search for Missing Person in SE Portland House Fire

Portland firefighters were dispatched at 12:14 pm today to a residential fire at 8930 SE Rural Street. The first arriving crews reported smoke and fire showing from the basement of the two and a half story home.

Fire crews from Portland Station 11 (Lents), 25 (Woodstock), and 29 (Powellhurst) arrived on-scene and quickly advanced hoselines through the front door of the home through a stairway into the basement. Crews encountered moderate heat and smoke. During this time, crews were informed that there was a possible missing person inside the home and they began an aggressive search of the basement and first and second floors of the home.

During the search, firefighters determined that the fire had extended through the outside basement wall into the first and second floors. Working together, Truck crews opened up the interior and exterior walls and ventilated the roof to allow the trapped smoke to exit. This also provided firefighters with better visibility inside the home as they conducted their search and rescue efforts.

The owner of the home arrived and was convinced that her son was still inside the home, possibly in the basement. Firefighters continued searching the home without locating any trapped victims. Portland Fire Incident Commander Dan Buckner encouraged the mother to contact her son by cell phone, and she later confirmed that her son was safety away from the home.

Firefighters from Clackamas Fire Engine 5 arrived on-scene and were designated by Incident Commander Buckner as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), or the team of firefighters that are dedicated solely to search and rescue of other firefighters in distress.

An additional Portland truck and engine from Station 7 (Mill Park) were requested to the scene to bring further resources and expertise.

The fire is currently under investigation and there is extensive fire damage to all stories of the home.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens that fire and smoke can race through your home in seconds. Each year more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires that could have been prevented. To keep that from happening and know what to do if it does, make sure you have a working smoke alarm, have a home escape plan and practice it, and consider a residential sprinkler system.　

Contact Info: Public Information Officer Paul Corah, Media Pager: 503-940-6003

Randy In the News 1.19.12

Portland Tribune story about switching from quarterly to montly water and sewer bills.

Portland Fire & Rescue Safety Advisory: Downed Power Lines

Portland Fire and Rescue responded early this morning to the report of a downed power line at the intersection of NW Skyline Blvd and NW Thompson Road, just two blocks from Forest Heights Station 27. Upon arrival Engine 27 found a car on fire as a result of a downed power line that had fallen on top of it.

Fires caused by downed power lines create additional hazards for firefighters. The car that was on fire was still energized by the power line, making the use of water to directly extinguish the fire impossible. Efforts were concentrated on protecting nearby exposures.

Portland Fire reminds its citezens that contact with downed power lines could end tragically, and snowy conditions can hide the downed power line from view. Please be sure to maintain a safe distance to avoid contact with downed power lines. If you encounter a downed power line, call 9-1-1. Dispatchers will then make sure the proper resources respond.

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah
Media Pager: (503) 940-6003

Portland's reservoirs: A bucket of cold water on a misleading campaign

Published: Friday, January 13, 2012, 4:00 AM

By Guest Columnist The Oregonian

By Randy Leonard

On Jan. 3, the In My Opinion piece "City need not waste $137 million on new reservoir" was co-authored by Kent Craford, lobbyist for the Portland Water Users Coalition. This represents the latest in a series of Washington, D.C.-style tactics to mislead the public into believing that the Water Bureau is either wasting the public's money or is engaged in inappropriate public projects.

The Portland Water Users Coalition is actually a special interest group composed of some of Portland's wealthiest individuals and corporations, including Harsch Investment Properties, American Property Management, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Hilton Portland & Executive Tower, Siltronic AG, Sapa, Darigold and Sunshine Dairy Foods.

Through the efforts of their lobbyist, Kent Craford, they have fought anything that they believe does not benefit them directly, including water and sewer programs that help low-income and senior citizens who have trouble paying their bills.

Now they claim that the construction of a second 50-million-gallon water storage tank at Powell Butte -- which will provide essential storage to Portland's water system -- is a wasteful, federally mandated project that need not be built if Portland would fight the feds harder.

As the members of the Water Users Coalition know, the new reservoir at Powell Butte is not mandated by the federal government. The city has planned since the 1980s to construct a second reservoir at Powell Butte because of the necessity of more "in town" water storage. Portlanders must have a reliable supply of water if any of our existing major water storage facilities fail, or if they are shut down for maintenance, seismic improvements and other serious structural work. In short, whether or not we are required to cover the reservoirs at Mount Tabor and Washington Park, the construction of this 50-million-gallon storage tank is essential.

While members of the Water Users Coalition are focused on improving their bottom lines, the Water Bureau is continuing a proud heritage of preparing for our future water needs by constructing projects that will ensure the reliable delivery of our most precious resource ... Bull Run water.

The Water Bureau also has a proud tradition of community service and involvement. From the early 1900s, when the Water Bureau's Dodge Park was a regular gathering place for Portlanders, until today, the Water Bureau has utilized its many assets to maximize public benefit of our facilities. Key examples include the bureau's seven Hydro Parks, which have been converted from fenced areas into open community spaces in neighborhoods all over Portland, and the bureau's partnerships with the East Portland Neighborhood Coalition and the Rose Festival, who both now use previously derelict Water Bureau buildings as their headquarters.

What the Portland Water Users Coalition calls misuse of the Water Bureau's assets is in reality community partnering. Using our assets to maximize public benefit and, simultaneously, to preserve prized community institutions should be a model for other utilities to follow, rather than touted as examples of how the wealthy might save money.

Portlanders should know the facts and the special interests behind "messaging" intended to manipulate our important public assets.

City Commissioner Randy Leonard oversees the Portland Water Bureau.

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to an Early Morning Apartment Fire in NE Portland

At 4:23 am, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of smoke and flames coming from an apartment at 109 NE San Rafael. Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 13 (Lloyd District) arrived at the scene in less than four minutes. Firefighters immediately deployed hoselines and ladders to gain access to the second floor apartment and aggressively attacked the fire.

The occupant of the apartment reported that he was in the shower at the time of the fire. When he emerged, he noticed smoke and flames coming from the heating unit in the living room of his apartment. He immediately evacuated and called 9-1-1. The man suffered smoke inhalation and was treated by Portland firefighter/paramedics before he was transported to Emanuel Hospital for evaluation.

There are over 30 units in the apartment complex. During the fire, the main electrical line coming into the complex was compromised due to fire so the utility company shut off power to the complex.

"With temperatures dropping into the 20's, we are concerned for the well being of residents who will not have electricity or heat for an undetermined amount of time," said Battalion Chief Craig Funk. "Portland Fire is working with the Red Cross to temporarily relocate residents until electricity is restored."

Fire Investigators determined that the cause of the fire was electrical in nature. Damage is estimated at $30,000.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens to make sure all receptacles, switches and electrical components in your home are in good working order. Also, consider consulting a licensed electrician to provide an evaluation of such components. Worn receptacles and cord ends can provide resistance to electrical current creating excessive heat which can cause a fire.

Contact Info: Contact Public Information Officer Paul Corah, Media Pager: 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue responds after a man climbs a 50 foot tree in SE Portland

At 4:25 pm Portland Fire & Rescue responded, per police request, to SE 44th and Stark to reports of a man in a tree. At 4:30 pm, fire crews from Station 9 (Hawthorne District) and Station 1 (Old Town) arrived to find a man who had climbed roughly 40 to 50 feet up a tree and was yelling that he was Tre Arrow, a known activist.

Truck 1 positioned their apparatus for use of the aerial ladder, which has a bucket on the end that is used to transport firefighters and patients. After getting close to the man he claimed that he wanted media attention regarding a message he wished to communicate about nature and he did not want to leave the tree with the firefighters.

Crews quickly called for a representative from Project Respond, who works with mental health patients, to confirm that he was not suicidal. Once the representative was on scene firefighters accompanied her in the bucket back up to talk with the man. It was determined that he was not suicidal nor was he a danger to himself or others.

"Our number one priority is safety. Once we determined the man was not suicidal we did not want to take any action that could cause harm to him or to firefighters." said Chief Dan Buckner.

The owner of the property was contacted and gave permission for the man to be in the tree. Because he was not trespassing or a danger to anyone, fire crews soon returned in service but remain ready in case any changes occur at the scene. It is important for crews to return in-service and available for other emergencies as soon as an incident is stabilized. When a fire company is unavailable because they are on an incident in their own area, response times from adjacent stations increase due to travel times and other factors.

Fire crews cleared the scene at 5:47 pm. It was later confirmed by the man’s girlfriend that he was, in fact, Tre Arrow. More information will be given as it becomes available.

Pictures are courtesy of Dick Harris, Portland Fire & Rescue photographer.　

Contact Info: PIO AJ Schaffer, Media Pager (503)940-6003.

Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Chief John Klum Announces Retirement Plans

Yesterday, Portland Fire Chief John Klum announced his plans to retire in June 2012 after 34 years of fire service, four of which were spent as Portland’s Fire Chief.

In a memo sent to Fire Bureau staff on January 4th, Klum wrote,

"I wanted to let all of you know that I have submitted a letter to Commissioner Leonard stating my plans to retire this coming June. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your commitment and support that not only has helped me be a better Chief the past four years, but for many of you over my entire career. I will have spent thirty-four years in a Bureau and City that I love and I am very proud to have served with you all. You are the best of the best. I look forward to the internal selection of my replacement and to be able to have a few months with them for a smooth transition."

Klum, who began sharing his retirement plans with the bureau’s leadership team in July 2010, looks forward to spending more time with his wife and two young children, ages 7 and 8. He has actively served in a supervisory capacity for Portland Fire & Rescue for 29 of his 34 years of fire service.

With Klum’s announcement, the City of Portland’s Human Resources Bureau will facilitate a recruitment for a candidate to replace Klum when he leaves the bureau in June. Selection of the final candidate will be made by Fire Commissioner Randy Leonard.

Portland Fire & Rescue is planning a celebration of service for Chief Klum in Summer 2012.　

Contact Info: PIO Lt. Justin de Ruyter 503-940-6003

Bull Run water sampling produces rare result

Yesterday, the Portland Water Bureau (PWB) received preliminary laboratory results indicating the presence of Cryptosporidium in water samples from the Bull Run source collected on December 30, 2011. The lab results show that one Cryptosporidium oocyst was present in a sample collected at the raw water intake. A second oocyst was present in a sample collected from a location further upstream. Follow-up lab results received today from samples taken at the raw water intake on January 1^st, 2012 and January 3^rd, 2012 showed no further evidence of Cryptosporidium.

PWB has informed (see letter) the the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Multnomah County Health Department of the preliminary lab results and neither agency has indicated a concern regarding any public health effects. No special precautions are necessary for Portland’s drinking water customers.

In the midst of a high volume sampling program, it is not unexpected that a small number of Cryptosporidium organisms would occasionally be found in untreated surface water. Wildlife is present in the watershed and can be a source of Cryptosporidium. Detections of Cryptosporidium in water from the Bull Run, however, are rare.

Today’s results are the first to indicate the presence of Cryptosporidium at the Bull Run raw water intake since 2002. Since the last detection of Cryptosporidium, PWB has collected over 725 samples totaling over 19,269 liters without finding it. PWB is now conducting increased monitoring at the raw water intake according to the terms identified in the Interim Sampling Plan which has been in effect since December 2010.     

PWB is arranging for additional analysis of the positive sample including DNA testing which may provide genotype information which could help PWB better understand and characterize the significance of this detection and indicate the possible animal source.

PWB will continue to implement the interim monitoring plan as it awaits a final decision from OHA regarding a potential variance to the treatment requirements of the federal Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2). OHA has indicated that it intends to issue a final decision on the variance by the end of this month. Based on the comprehensive information and monitoring data compiled and transmitted by PWB in its variance request, we do not believe these isolated detections which have prompted no public health concerns affect the City’s underlying case for a variance.

PWB will continue to closely track and report Bull Run water quality monitoring results as we seek to understand and provide additional information about this rare, but not extraordinary event.

 

David G. Shaff, Administrator, Portland Water Bureau

 

Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to reports of a HazMat Release at 10627 N Swift Way

At 10:11 am Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) leaking from a rail car behind 10627 N. Swift Ct.

Firefighters from the Portland Fire Station 26 (Portsmouth/University Park) were the first to arrive and assumed command of the incident. PF&R\'s HazMat team from Station 7 (8 Firefighters) also responded to assist with the incident along with Station 22 (St. Johns).

Equipped with SCBA\'s (self contained breathing apparatus), 2 members of our Hazmat Team approached the rail car with their sophisticated monitoring equipment to identify the chemical and measure how much, if any, was released.

According to Lt. Alan Bronson, a concentration of 300 ppm is considered an IDLH, or an immediate danger to life and health. The monitoring equipment was maxed out at its 200 ppm limit. Because of these high levels, Incident Command made the decision to withdraw the entry team to increase the level of their protective clothing and get additional monitoring equipment.

After donning their Level-A suits they re-entered the hot zone, along with two HazMat Technicians from Union Pacific railroad to locate and stop the leak. It was determined that a malfunctioning pressure relief valve was the source of the leak. After changing out breathing air bottles, the team was able to repair the leaking valve enough to significantly reduce the concentration.

The rail car is back in the custody of Union Pacific Railroad and no civilians or firefighters were injured in this incident.

RESPONSE STATISTICS:

2 Engines

2 Trucks

2 Battalion Chiefs

1 HazMat Unit

1 HazMat Recon Unit

1 HazMat Coordinator

28 Total Personel

Dispatched- 　10:11

Arrived- 　10:16

Recalled-    11:48

Sent by FlashAlert Editor for iPad

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Media Staging will be 2 blocks North of Swift Way, on Columbia Blvd and will be marked by a road flare.

More info will be released as it becomes available.　

Contact Info: PIO Tommy Schroeder, (503) 940-6003

Photos Courtesy of Dick Harris.

Portland Fire and Rescue responds to three structure fires in as many hours

Portland Fire crews from across the city responded to three fires in as many hours this morning--capping off a busy New Years weekend. Already this year crews have been dispatched to more than 250 emergencies, eighteen of those emergencies fire related.

At 6:49 a.m., crews from Portland Fire Station 13 (Lloyd District) arrived at 1937 NE Pacific, to a two-story home with fire showing from the back corner of the building. The building, reported to dispatch as possibly vacant, required firefighters to forcibly enter the structure before an interior fire attack could begin. Once access to the interior was made crews searched the structure for occupants while others placed water on the fire. As is common in most older homes, the construction in this building allowed fire to spread between void spaces in the walls; one crew was sent to the second story to open walls, search for fire extension and extinguish hot spots. The fire was brought under control at 7:08, though crews remained on scene until 8:47 to ensure complete extinguishment. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

At 6:56 a.m. while crews were still actively engaged in the Pacific firefight, an engine from Portland Fire Station 14 (Alberta Park) responded to reports of smoke in a commercial structure at 4120 NE Fremont; crews arrived to find the windows of the occupancy blackened by smoke--an indication of smoldering fire. Again crews were forced to enter a locked structure; once inside they found the structure full of smoke, the result of a smoldering electrical fire. A truck company from Station 1 (Old town) was called to assist the engine company; exhaust fans and salvage equipment were used to remove smoke from the building and perform salvage and overhaul, the processees of removing burned or damaged contents from a building and preventing further damage. Firefighters limited damage to an estimated $40,000--the building is valued at 1.8 million dollars. Engine 14 and Truck 1 remained on scene working until 9:17.

A third fire, this one at 15529 SE Harrison, dispatched at 9:36 a.m. The caller, the son-in-law of the buildings owner, arrived to perform maintenance work on the home and discovered smoke under pressure issuing from roof vents and cracking sounds--he immediately called 911. An engine from Portland Fire Station 31 (Rockwood) was first to arrive and confirmed a working structure fire. Firefighters entered on the first floor of the building to find the entire ground level clear of smoke and fire--without hesitation, firefighters searched the structure and fire attack crews located and made entrance into the attic which was engulfed in flames. Concurrently, crews from truck 7, equipped with both chain and circular saws, were sent to the roof to cut holes; this firefighting tactic is referred to as "vertical ventilation" and allows heat and smoke to escape the enclosed area and dramatically improves conditions for firefighters operating inside. The fire was brought under control

(recalled) at 9:59 and crews remained on scene working until 10:37 a.m. Damages were estimated at $8,650. Electrical wiring was determined to be at fault for this fire.

These fires come in the same week that three concurrent fires challenged the Portland Fire Bureau during the early morning hours of December 28th. Yesterday, marine resources were called to overlapping marine incidents: a jumper from the I205 bridge, a reported boat fire, and a surface rescue of two kayakers in the Willamette river. Contingency planning within the system allows fire response to overlapping incidents without compromise to response times or safety--something that would not be possible without adequate resources, appropriate distribution of personnel and apparatus, and cross trained firefighters.

Last year Portland Fire and Rescue responded to more than 3,000 fire incidents and more 68,000 emergency calls.　

Contact Info: PIO Gabriel Watson; Pager: 940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Second Medical Oxygen Fire Victim This Month

At around 5:00 pm firefighters from Portland Fire Station 7 (Mill Park) responded to a burn call at 12530 S.E Powell.  Upon arrival, firefighters found a male patient who was suffering from burns to his face. 

According to the patient's wife, she heard a noise in the bathroom and when she entered the room, she found her husband in severe pain.  The nasal cannula that was attached to his face to deliver his supplemental oxygen was on fire.  She immediately left the room, shut off the oxygen flow, and called 9-1-1.  The patient told firefighters that he was smoking a cigarette just prior to the fire starting.  He suffered burns to his face, nose, and lungs.  The patient was transported to the Oregon Burn Center for treatment.  A Fire Investigator was called to the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

"If you use oxygen or if you live in a household where someone uses supplemental oxygen, you should never smoke anywhere near the equipment.  Doing so puts you and others in considerable danger," said Portland Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Duane Bray.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2003 and 2006, hospitals treated an estimated 1,190 people for burns related to home oxygen use. Eighty-nine percent of those treated suffered facial burns.  This is the second time this month that Portland Fire & Rescue has responded to a burn patient who was smoking while using medical oxygen.  This month's earlier incident resulted in a woman's death.

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Battles Three Overnight House Fires in One Hour

The residential fire at 4829 NE Mallory Avenue was due to a defective chimney.  According to Portland fire investigators, a fire was lit in a woodstove, traveled up the chimney, and then progressed outside of the chimney into the upstairs bedroom. There were no working smoke alarms in the home at the time of the fire. Damages are estimated at $12,000.

Portland fire investigators have not yet determined the causes of the residential fires at 9909 N Smith Street and 933 SE Reynolds Street. 

Smoke alarms did alert residents during the fire on N. Smith Street. Damages are estimated at $35,000.

At this time, it is unknown whether smoke alarms alerted residents during the fire on SE Reynolds Street. Damages are estimated at $230,000.

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At 11:13 pm last night, Portland firefighters were dispatched to 4829 NE Mallory Avenue after a 9-1-1 caller indicated that the house was filling with smoke and the attic ceiling was hot to the touch.  The caller stated that the house on fire was just eight feet from a neighboring home and it was very windy, so neighbors were notified to evacuate as well.

Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 14 (Alberta Park) arrived first on scene in just four minutes at 11:17 pm to find fire coming through the roof of the home.  When firefighters from Portland Fire Station 8 (Kenton) arrived on scene, Truck 8 firefighters laddered to the roof and had to cut their way through a double roof to vent the smoke and heat, allowing engine crews inside to battle the blaze with hose lines.

A male in his teens was reportedly in the middle of a home dialysis treatment at the time of the fire.  Firefighters were able to locate the boy's dialysis equipment inside the home and safely return it to him, while other firefighter/paramedics assessed the patient's medical condition.  An ambulance was called to the scene, but the patient did not require transport to a hospital.

The fire was brought under control at 11:38 pm.  Preliminary reports indicate that a fire spread outside the chimney and grew out of control, involving the upper stories of the home.

Another residential fire was reported around midnight at 9909 N Smith St.  Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 22 (St. Johns) arrived with Truck 22 in just five minutes to find a fully involved house fire.  Truck 22 firefighters had the roof of the home opened up within seven minutes of arriving on scene, allowing engine firefighters to attack the heavy fire on the home's second floor.  The fire was brought under control at 12:23 am.  All occupants and pets were able to safely evacuate. 

Just minutes after the fire broke out in St. Johns, another residential fire was dispatched at 12:08 am.  A man reported that he arrived home to find thick, dark smoke coming from an upstairs window at 933 SE Reynolds St.  He pounded on the door to make sure his roommate had escaped.  Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 20 (Sellwood) arrived to find smoke and flames pouring from the upstairs windows. 

Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 25 (Lents) arrived a short time later.  While engine firefighters pulled multiple hose lines, truck firefighters laddered to begin opening up the roof of this large home.  An additional ladder truck was requested by the Incident Commander at 12:26 am to help battle this fire.  The second truck traveled from Portland Fire Station 4 (Portland State) in downtown Portland to assist alongside Truck 25. 

A safety advisory to firefighters was issued when it was determined that a hole had burned through the floor between the first floor and the basement, creating a hazard for firefighters inside.   Additionally, one firefighter received minor injuries to his hand and was treated at the scene. 

Although all the occupants safely escaped, two cats were reportedly inside at the time of the fire.  Firefighters confirmed that one of the cats is deceased and are working to locate the second pet.  Volunteers from the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) are on scene to help individuals cope with the loss of the pet.  The fire was brought under control at 12:50 am; however, fire crews will remain on scene for the next several hours monitoring for hot spots.  Fire investigators are on scene working to determine the cause of the fire and damage estimates.

"These fires broke out extremely close together, and on all sides of the city, tapping nearly half of our fire crews at once," said Portland Fire Battalion Chief Tom Williams.  "Tonight we were able to manage our resources appropriately to battle these blazes and continue responding to all types of emergencies."

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Japanese Flag Raising at City Hall

Today is a Japanese national holiday that recognizes Emperor Akihito's Birthday.  To honor this special day, Commissioner Leonard and Japanese Consul General Okabe raised their respective national flags outside the 4th Avenue entrance of City Hall this morning.

• Commissioner Leonard recognized the ongoing efforts of those in our community who keep our connection strong:  The Portland Sapporo Sister City Association, the Japan America Society of Oregon, and the Oregon Nikkei Endowment. 

This is the third year we have observed this custom.  We began this custom of raising our flags in friendship two years ago, but this was Commissioner Leonard's first year to have the honor of being the presiding official.  Portland is one of few cities in the U.S. that does this, marking the very special relationship between Portland and Japan. 

We have many reasons to be optimistic about renewed business cooperation with Japan.  With close to 100 companies represented in Portland, Japan is critical to the Portland economy. We are pushing forward for new opportunities in clean technology and renewable energy.  We have so much in common in our quest for a cleaner and smarter planet.  It only makes sense that our people and businesses work together.

Consul General Okabe said a few words about the international friendship as well, focusing on the tsunami in March of this year and the shared efforts to provide relief to Japan in the wake of this disaster.

Posted by Anna DiBenedetto

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to House Fire in SE Portland

 
At 2:50 pm yesterday, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of a residential fire at 3532 SE 62nd. Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 25 (Woodstock) arrived first on scene and found smoke coming from the attic of the home. The homeowner told firefighters that she was home and had a fire going in the fireplace all day. Around 2:45 pm, she started seeing smoke coming out around her ceiling next to her fireplace.

Firefighters on scene determined that the fire got out of the firebox through small holes in the mortar next to the bricks. The fire then spread up into the attic of the home and through the roof. The truck crew assigned to this fire was instrumental in quickly laddering to the roof, cutting holes to vent the smoke and heat, and finding and extinguishing the fire that had spread into the attic. Firefighters brought the fire under control at around 4:00 pm.

The home, built in 1927, has its original fireplace, which the homeowner said was checked this past year for safety. She was surprised there was a problem so soon after inspection. There was no working smoke alarm in the home at the time of the fire, however all occupants got out safely.

Citizens are reminded to make sure they have a working smoke alarm in every sleeping area of their home. "Had this fire happened at night when people were sleeping, there could have been a different outcome," said Portland Fire Public Information Officer Paul Corah. Damage to home is estimated at $35,000.　

Contact Info: Contact PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to a 2nd Alarm Commercial Fire at 9710 NE Glass Plant Rd.

 
At 9:03 pm on Friday, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a commercial fire at 9710 NE Glass Plant Rd. - the Owens Illinois glass container manufacturing plant.

The plant houses four large kettles where recycled glass is melted to make new glass containers such as beer and wine bottles. Today, only two glass kettles were in use - one for clear glass and one for amber glass. The amber glass kettle was holding over 200 tons of molten glass when the kettle split at the bottom. The molten glass inside the kettle began oozing into the containment area below the tank. Responding firefighters immediately began pulling hose lines and spraying water on the kettle and areas around the kettle where the molten glass was spilling to cool them.

At 9:51 pm, the Incident Commander called for a 2nd alarm bringing additional firefighters and resources to the scene. Additional firefighters were needed to pull more hose lines, surround the kettle on the first and second levels of the plant, and protect the structure and surrounding machinery.

Firefighters are continuing to cool the kettle and areas around it where molten glass spilled. It will take several hours for the tank and its contents to cool. Firefighters will remain on scene throughout the night to ensure this process occurs slowly and completely. There were no reported injuries.

Photos courtesy of Dick Harris/Portland Fire.

Portland to Request an Extension on its Reservoir Replacement Schedule

PORTLAND OR—The Portland Water Bureau received a response yesterday from the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Program (OHA) to its request for an indefinite suspension in Portland’s uncovered drinking water reservoir compliance schedule during EPA’s review of the federal LT2 rule.

OHA responded that while EPA’s undertaking of a review of the LT2 rule is not a basis for an extension, EPA has provided guidance on what facts may warrant compliance schedule adjustments.

“EPA still hasn’t indicated why New York City is being treated differently than Portland regarding uncovered reservoirs,” said David Shaff, Water Bureau Administrator, referring to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson’s statement earlier this year that New York City may be eligible for alternative compliance options. “However, we do see that EPA has provided some direction on how a compliance schedule can be amended which will now be the focus of our attention and efforts.”

Per EPA’s new guidance, the City of Portland therefore will request an extension for its reservoir replacement schedule from OHA.

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Click here to read the OHA's letter.

Click here to read the Portland Water Bureau's request for an indefinite suspension of Portland's reservoir replacement schedule.