COMMISSIONER RANDY LEONARD'S BLOG

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.

Portland Fire & Rescue Responding to Major Gas Leak in SW Portland

At 1:25 pm, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of a broken 4" natural gas line hissing in SW Kingston Avenue.  Firefighters from Portland Fire (Northwest/Pearl District) Station 3 arrived on scene within three minutes of receiving the call.

Reports indicate that a Portland Water Bureau crew hit the gas line while working in the street near 157 SW Kingston Avenue. The area of SW Kingston Avenue between SW Tichner Drive and SW Fairview Blvd. was immediately evacuated.  The evacuation is affecting approximately 15 homes.

Portland Fire crews are initiating a plan alongside crews from NW Natural to crimp the broken gas line and shut off a valve to stop the flow of natural gas.  Currently five fire engines and one fire truck are at the scene responding.

A Public Information Officer is on scene.  Staging for media will be at West Burnside Street and SW Tichner Drive.

Contact Info: PIO AJ Schaffer 503-940-6003

Portland Fire and Rescue responds to smoking-related fire death in SE Portland

At 10:25 pm Friday night Portland Fire and Rescue responded to a 70 year old female who was reported to be unconscious and not breathing. Firefighters from Portland Fire (Rockwood) Station 31 arrived within 5 minutes to the Mobile Estates at SE 167th and Division to find a man performing chest compressions on his wife. The patient's husband had been gone and came home to find his wife lying on the floor. Firefighters quickly began an assessment of the patient and checked for signs of breathing and any heart activity but were unable to revive her. During his assessment, a Portland Fire and Rescue paramedic noticed burns on the patient's face and fingers. Also found was what appeared to be cigarette remains and melted oxygen tubing which the patient had originally been using for medical reasons. It appears that the oxygen tubing caught fire and the patient inhaled the toxic smoke and heat from the burning plastic.

"It is extremely important for people in our communities who use supplemental oxygen to understand how they can keep themselves and their loved ones safe from fire." Said Portland Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Sam James.

Oxygen is needed for fires to start. A spark that would not normally burn can start a fire because of supplemental oxygen. It is very important to protect yourself, your family and your home by exercising caution when using oxygen equipment. The following are tips on how to stay safe while using supplemental oxygen:

-Never allow yourself or others to smoke near supplemental oxygen.

-Never use oil, lubricants or any other grease on/around oxygen equipment.

-Never use electrical appliances, such as a hair dryer, while you are using your oxygen.

-Never use anything flammable, such as gasoline, alcohol-containing sprays or paint thinners, while using your oxygen.

-Keep your oxygen equipment away from any open flames, such as candles, fireplaces, hot water heaters, gas stoves, etc.

-Make sure to turn oxygen equipment off when not in use.

-In case of fire, get out, stay out and call 911.

-If you hear a hissing sound from your oxygen container make sure to call the company who supplies your oxygen right away.

A Portland Fire Investigator was dispatched to the scene to determine the cause of the fire. The cause of death and the fire are still under investigation and updates will be given as they become available.　

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

Portland Fire & Rescue responds to a fire in SW Portland

At 5:43 pm Friday evening Portland fire and Rescue responded to reports of something suspicious seen at the top and exterior of the Bank of America building at 121 SW Morrison. Fire Crews from Portland's Old Town fire station 1 arrived on scene at 5:46 pm and used binoculars to get a closer look at the exterior lighting on the 18th floor of the building. As firefighters ascended the building to continue their investigation they began to smell smoke on the 16th floor and called for additional fire crews to respond. Once crews reached the roof they looked over the edge of the southeast corner and found flames coming from approximately 50 feet of the fixed lighting on the exterior of the building. Firefighters acted quickly and were able to put out the flames using a fire extinguisher. Before removing the lights to check if the fire had extended into the building, crews were placed on the sidewalk directly below, at SW 1st and Morrison, to make sure no people were walking by in case of any falling debris.

The fire was brought under control at 6:07 pm. A fire investigator was dispatched to the fire scene to determine the cause of the fire and damage estimates. Updates on the cause and damages will be given as they become available.

With the fire being on the exterior of the building and on the 18th floor, falling debris was a concern. Portland Fire and Rescue wants to remind citizens that, in order to keep safe, it is important to stay clear of fire scenes, behind fire line tape and out of the smoke.　

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

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds after Taxi Cab Crashes into SE Portland Hotel

At 10:54 am, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of a vehicle into a building at the Jupiter Hotel, located at 800 East Burnside Street. Firefighters from Portland's Old Town Fire Station 1 arrived at the scene within three minutes of receiving the call.

One police officer and three maintenance workers were able to lift the taxi cab off the bed, freeing the man trapped underneath prior to firefighters' arrival. 

Firefighters discovered that a taxi had crashed through one of the hotel rooms and pinned a man inside. The patient, Jon Toubin - age 40, was treated by firefighter paramedics and transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the taxi cab may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash and was also transported to the hospital.

Portland Police is conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Photos courtesy of Greg Muhr, Portland Fire & Rescue.　

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003