Portland Fire and Rescue responded to a reported explosion at 314 NW 5th Avenue at 8:10 p.m. Engine 1 (Old Town) arrived at 8:14 p.m. to find glass and window frame material thrown across the street and sidewalk. The heat from the explosion activated one sprinkler head inside the apartment. Engine 1 called for assistance from Truck 1 to help shutting down the sprinkler system and protecting the resident's valuables from water damage. The one female adult occupant, who was in the apartment at the time of the explosion, suffered slight burns to her hand. She was not transported to a hospital. The apartment is uninhabitable at this time and the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the apartment residents with a place to stay.
The cause of the explosion is undetermined at this time. The damage to the apartment building is approximately $15,000.00.
Contact Info: PIO Lt. Rich Tyler 503-940-6003
