COMMISSIONER RANDY LEONARD'S BLOG

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Early Morning Residential Fire in SE Portland, Home a Total Loss

 
  
At 6:27 am, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of a residential fire at 1758 SE 112th Avenue.  Upon arrival firefighters from SE Portland's Station 7 encountered heavy black smoke and flames pouring from the front, side and roof of the residence. 

"Flames were pouring out the front of this house and the front door had been blown off when Truck 7 pulled up to this fire," said Lt. David Barron.

Firefighters began to aggressively attack the fire and search for occupants.  They found four people trapped in the back yard of the home, where venting propane tanks and gas cans created a hazardous situation for firefighters and the tapped residents.  Firefighters safely evacuated all four individuals.  A total of five occupants were in the home at the time of the fire and no on was injured.

One occupant attempted to re-enter the residence while firefighters were actively fighting this fire and was detained by Portland Police.  The home was divided into four separate dwelling units.  Additionally, there was a shed that was being occupied as a dwelling unit in the back yard.  One dog was in the residence at the time of the fire and was deceased.  Two vehicles were also damaged in the fire.

Fire investigators are on scene working to determine the fire's cause.  The home is determined to be a complete loss valued at $148,000.  The Red Cross has been called in to assist the five adults find alternate living arrangements.

Fires can strike at any time of the day or night.  Portland Fire & Rescue urges all citizens to have a home fire escape plan and practice it regularly in case there is a fire at your home.

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responding to 2nd Alarm Commercial Fire in NE Portland

Updated with Fire Cause:

Portland Fire Investigators have determined that this fire was caused by illegal fireworks that landed on the roof of this commercial structure and ignited the fast-moving blaze. The roofs of the businesses at 1725 NE Alberta (Barista Coffee Shop) and 1733 NE Alberta (Aviary) were heavily damaged in the blaze.  Investigators estimate damages from this fire to be $60,000 to the structure and $40,000 to the contents of the building.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens that Oregon law bans possession, use, or sale of any fireworks that fly, explode, travel more than one foot into the air, or more than six feet on the ground.  These fireworks are illegal, and as illustrated by tonight's fire, can cause significant damage to property and put lives and safety in jeopardy.

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At 10:06 pm, Portland firefighters responded to reports of a fire at the Barista Coffee Shop located at 1725 NE Alberta St.  First arriving crews encountered heavy fire and smoke coming through the roof of the structure.  Firefighters immediately took a defensive attack on this fire and the incident commander called for a 2nd alarm bringing additional resources, firefighters, and apparatus (trucks and engines) to the scene.

Firefighters later transitioned to an offensive fire attack and were able to knock down the fire and residual hot spots inside the structure.  The business at 1733 NE Alberta, Aviary, was also impacted by this fire.  Fire Investigators are currently on scene working to determine the fire's cause.  Damage estimates are not yet available. Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night.

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Media staging will be between NE 17th and NE 18th Avenues on the south side of the street.  A Public Information Officer is now on scene.

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Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to a 2nd alarm commercial fire at NE 18th Ave. and NE Alberta St.  A Public Information Officer is en route to the scene and will be arriving shortly.

More information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Contact Info: PIO Kim Kosmas 503-940-6003

Rany In the News 7.1.11

KATU article about fire hydrant paining.