COMMISSIONER RANDY LEONARD'S BLOG

Portland Fire & Rescue Dedicates New Fire Station 31 on Saturday, October 22nd

Please join Portland Fire & Rescue and Gresham Fire & Emergency Services on Saturday, October 22nd at 10:00 am for the open house and dedication of new Portland Fire Station 31, located at 1927 SE 174th in Portland.

The open house will celebrate the rebuilding of the station and the return of Portland Fire & Rescue and Gresham Fire & Emergency Services personnel and equipment. This shared station, which serves the surrounding Portland and Gresham communities, went on 3,388 emergency responses in 2010 making it one of the busiest Portland Fire & Rescue engine companies in the city.

Public and media are invited to the dedication ceremony, which will begin at 10:00 am, and to tour the station and share refreshments until 2:00 pm.

New Station 31 was funded through a General Obligation Bond that was approved by voters in 1998 to ensure that all fire stations throughout the city can withstand a significant seismic event and continue serving public safety needs in the future.

The $2.1 million station was completed in just 10 months and the project was under budget. The 6,938 square foot, two-story station was designed to meet many energy efficiency rating standards. It features an infrared heat system in the apparatus bay to reduce heat loss when the engine leaves the station, a highly reflective white roof, and an energy-efficient heating and ventilation recovery system. Additionally, 97% of construction debris from the demolition of the old station was recycled and diverted from landfills.　

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Third Significant Residential Fire in Nine Hours

 

UPDATE: Fire Cause:

Fire Investigators have found that the cause of the fire at 8343 NE Broadway was the use of illegal fireworks.  The fire is deemed accidental.
*****************************************************************

At 1:10 pm, Portland firefighters were dispatched to the third significant residential fire to break out in Portland in nine hours. Firefighters responded to 8343 NE Broadway after receiving reports from neighbors who heard an explosion and observed flames shooting 10' in the air above the house. Most of the fire was contained to the home's attached carport and arborvitaes. However, the fire was so hot that it melted through the siding of the adjacent home.

One person was home at the time of the fire and was alerted to get out by neighbors who knocked on the door. NW Natural gas was called to the scene to investigate the reports of an explosion and determined that there was not a natural gas leak at the property. One man across the street from the home was treated at the scene by firefighter/paramedics for smoke inhalation after the strong east winds drove thick black smoke into neighboring residences.

 

 

The Red Cross has been called in to assist one individual with finding alternate housing. Fire investigators remain on scene working to determine the cause of the fire. Damages to the home, the home's contents, and the adjacent home are estimated at $50,000.

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Early Morning Residential Fire in North Portland

Portland Fire & Rescue Investigators have determined the cause of the fire to be smokers carelessness. The value of the structure is estimated to be $90,000 and the loss due to fire damage is $50,000.

 

One significant factor in the rapid rate of spread and intensity of this fire was that the home was undergoing a complete remodel. When walls are no longer protected by drywall or plaster, fire can travel quickly to every part of a structure through void spaces and can quickly consume entire home. Compounding this are the exposed flammable structural members which are normally shielded from fire and heat by finished wall. Portland Fire & Rescue recommends taking additional precautions when your home is being remodeled such as maintaining working smoke detectors throughout the duration of the project.

 

************************************************************************************

At around 5:30 am, Portland firefighters were dispatched to reports of a house on fire at 9716 North Smith Avenue.  Upon arrival firefighters from North Portland (St. Johns) Station 22 found that the two-story home's basement was fully involved in fire.  Firefighters entered the residence and began searching for a female resident who reportedly lived in the basement, as well as upper stories for any occupants, but found that the home was unoccupied at the time of the fire. 

After an aggressive attack, the fire was knocked down and contained primarily to the basement. The home's basement suffered extensive fire damage and there is minimal smoke and fire damage to the upper floors.  Firefighters discovered that there were no working smoke alarms in the home. The fire is currently under investigation and a public information officer is on scene.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens that working smoke alarms greatly increase your chances of surviving a fire.  All residences should have a working smoke alarm on each floor of their home and in every sleeping room.

Contact Info: PIO Tommy Schroeder 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Commercial Fire at Human Solutions

 
At 12:50 pm, Portland firefighters were dispatched to reports of flames coming from a commercial structure. The fire was discovered at 12350 SE Powell Blvd., the home of the Human Solutions non-profit organization. Firefighters from SE Portland Station 7 arrived at the scene with an engine and truck and found flames coming through the roof.

Two fire truck crews used aerial ladders to extend hose lines to the roof and quickly knock down the blaze, which was contained to the roof. There was significant smoke damage throughout the building and firefighters worked extensively to ventilate the building.

Fire investigators remain on scene working to determine the cause of the fire. Damage estimates are not yet available.

Photos courtesy of Dick Harris, Portland Fire.　

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

Portland Fire & Rescue Responding to Dive Operation Near the Interstate 205 Bridge

At 10:19 am, Portland Firefighters were dispatched to reports of a male who left behind a black backpack and jumped off the Interstate 205 bridge from the southbound lanes on the north end of the bridge - the bridge's highest point.  The location of the individual's backpack was critical to first responders' efforts to determine exactly where he entered the water to begin searching for him. 
 
Firefighters from Portland Fire (Hayden Island) Station 17 responded with a rescue boat and Portland Fire's dive team was mobilized from Downtown Portland Station 1 to begin a rescue operation.  Vancouver Fire and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office also responded to assist in the joint dive operation.  A dive operation is in progress and updates will be released as they become available.
 
This call came in just 11 minutes before Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Police Bureau, and the Oregon Partnership began a joint news briefing to bring awareness to the growing issue of suicide in our community.  Oregon's suicide rate is 35% higher than the national average.  Portland Fire & Rescue urges citizens to call the Oregon Partnership's Suicide Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for immediate mental health and suicide crisis intervention from their team of trained crisis workers if you, a friend, or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide.

Contact Info: Portland Fire PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003 Vancouver Fire PIO Scott Willis 360-418-5429

Portland Fire & Rescue extricates a driver pinned-in during an accident involving 3 vehicles.

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a motor vehicle accident at the corner of SE 141st Ave & Division Street. Truck 7 and a Battalion Chief were the first to arrive and found 3 cars involved. One car was on its side and on top of another vehicle with the drivers side down, pinning it's driver inside.

Firefighters from Truck 7 stabilized the car to prevent it from collapsing during extrication operations. Meanwhile Engine 7 & Engine 31 crew members provided medical care and stood by with charged hose-lines to provide protection for rescuers and the patient from a potential fire hazard. Once the car was stabilized it was methodically dismantled enough to free the patient using a Holmatro Tool, otherwise known as the "Jaws of Life".

Three patients were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries.

PF&R RESPONSE STATISTICS

911 call received: 20:49

First Unit Arrival: 20:53

Patient Extricated: 20:57

(2) Engines

(1) Truck

(1) Chief

(13) Firefighters　

Contact Info: PIO Tommy Schroeder

(503) 940-6003

 

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Fatal House Fire

Sunday morning at 3:48 am firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire at 8001 N Emerald Ave. Firefighters from Station 26 (5247 N. Lombard St.) arrived and found flames in the finished attic of this 1 story home. Firefighters immediately began fighting the fire and searching for occupants.

An adult male was found on the second floor and pulled from the house by firefighters, however he is deceased. The homes other occupant an adult female was able to escape the fire and won't require medical treatment. The Red Cross will be providing shelter for her and the family's dog.

The Medical Examiner's Office will be working to determine a cause of death for the male fire victim. The victim's identity won't be released until it's confirmed by the Medical Examiner's Office. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of this fire and damage estimates. This press release will be updated with this information as it becomes available.

Portland Fire & Rescue Response

21 Firefighters

3 Chief Officers

3 Fire Investigators

*Update*

Investigators have determined that there were no working smoke detectors in the house.

Investigators have determined that the fire victim tried to fight the fire after placing a rag over his nose and mouth to filter smoke.

Investigators place the value of this home and contents at $108,760 with a loss of $33,000.

Portland Fire & Rescue asks residents to check and maintain smoke detectors.

-Smoke Detectors should be placed in every sleeping room and on every floor of your home.

Portland Fire & Rescue asks residents to think twice before attempting to fight even small fires.

-The smoke produced by modern materials is far more toxic.

-Indoor fires deplete oxygen in a space making filter systems ineffective (firefighters wear air tanks).

Never fight a fire:

-If the fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started

 -If you can't fight the fire with your back to an escape exit 

-If the fire can block your only escape 

-If you don't have adequate fire-fighting equipment

A fire will double in size every 30-60 seconds so always call 911 before trying to fight a fire.　

Contact Info: Lt. Damon Simmons, Media Pager (503) 940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Fire at Adventist Medical Center

Portland Firefighters responded to a fire at Adventist Medical Center Saturday evening at approximately 8:00 pm. The fire occurred in the hospitals Behavioral Health Unit. No one was injured in the fire and all patients are safe. One patient escaped, but was quickly located and taken into custody by Portland Police.

 

The fire was contained to a mattress and bedding in one room. Nurses put out the fire using extinguishers while other staff evacuated patients to neighboring units of the hospital. Hospital staff acted quickly and efficiently to keep this fire small while protecting the safety of patients. Firefighters arrived and removed smoke from the building after ensuring that the fire was out.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. This fire caused Approx. $500.00 in damage. The identity of the patient who escaped will not be released, as hospital patient information is confidential. This press release will be updated with the fire cause as soon as that information is available.

Portland Fire & Rescue Response

24 Firefighters

2 Chief Officers

1 Fire Investigator　

Contact Info: Lt. Damon Simmons, Media Pager (503) 940-6003 (Portland Fire & Rescue) V.P. David Russell, Office (503) 251-6162 (Adventist Medical Center)

Randy In the News 10.7.11

Oregonian story about looming Citywide budget cuts due to projected revenue decreases.

Randy & Sam join the protest march

Commissioner Leonard & Mayor Adams joined the Occupy Portland march as it went by City Hall yesterday.