At 5:11 pm, Saturday Portland Fire & Rescue responded to report of a house on fire at 7827 N Hodge Ave. Engine 26 (Portsmouth/University Park) arrived at 5:14 pm and found dark smoke coming from the front of the house and fire coming from the top of the front door. Because of safety concerns, fire crews had to wait on the street for police to arrive. Just 3 minutes later the Portland Police Bureau arrived and took an individual, who was keeping firefighters from extinguishing the blaze, away from the house.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire while searching for people and/or animals inside the house. Fire crews were able to rescue a dog from the structure who was suffering from smoke inhalation. Supplemental oxygen was given to the dog through an oxygen mask specifically designed for animals. This mask is kept on all PF&R Battalion Chief's apparatus for this exact situation. The name, age and breed is unknown at this time but the dog is being taken care of by animal control.
The fire was declared under control at 5:34 pm and a Portland Fire Investigator is on scene working to determine the fire cause. The estimated fire damage is $40,000. Additional information will be given as it becomes available.
For Any information regarding the individual in custody please contact the Portland Police Bureau's on-duty PIO.
Contact Info: Public Information Officer AJ Schaffer, Media Pager (503) 940-6003.