FIRE CREWS RESPOND TO FOURTH STRUCTURE FIRE THIS EVENING (PHOTO)
News Release from Portland Fire & Rescue
Posted on FlashAlert: November 8th, 2017 11:08 PM
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At 7:36pm fire crews responded to a report of an apartment fire at 1605 SE 12th Ave. Due to initial difficulties in finding the seat of the fire Incident Commanders called for a second alarm at 7:50pm. Crews from the first alarm arrived to find a four-plex apartment building with smoke increasing in several interior apartments. Extensive investigation determined that the fire was in the exterior wall of the building and spreading to the attic space. Crews had to open the walls and ceiling structure to expose the fire and extinguish it. The Fire Investigator determined that the fire started in a first floor fireplace and that the chimney flue failed allowing the fire to leave the chimney and travel into the wall near the second floor and then into the attic. Along with fire crews inside the building, firefighters worked on roof ladders three stories above the ground to ventilate smoke and heat from the attic. Power lines on two sides of the building and the poor weather conditions significantly increased the risks to firefighters undertaking these tasks.
Several occupants of the building were displaced due to the damage in their apartment. The Red Cross is often called to the scene of residential fires to assist those displaced with temporary shelter, clothing, and meals as needed.
Portland Fire and Rescue reminds everyone who has a fireplace to have it regularly cleaned and inspected to prevent chimney fires and fire spread beyond the chimney. The chimney and flue should be checked by a trained professional to make sure the lining, bricks, and mortar are all in tact and can safely withstand the heat of a fireplace fire.
Portland Fire and Rescue also reminds drivers in the vicinity of emergency scenes to never drive into a fire scene without the express consent and direction of a firefighter or police officer. Fire scenes and the streets surrounding them can become quickly congested with fire crews, bystanders, displaced building occupants, and media. The activities surrounding the fire can be distracting for all and moving vehicles add a dangerous and unnecessary risk. Keeping firefighters and the public safe by finding an alternate route around the fire scene or parking your vehicle and walking a few blocks will be appreciated by all. If your vehicle is trapped in the scene by fire crews or hoses and you absolutely must move it, notify a police officer or firefighter and please be patient. They will work with the driver(s) of the engine or ladder truck to move it as soon as it is reasonable and safe to do so.
Several occupants of the building were displaced due to the damage in their apartment. The Red Cross is often called to the scene of residential fires to assist those displaced with temporary shelter, clothing, and meals as needed.
Portland Fire and Rescue reminds everyone who has a fireplace to have it regularly cleaned and inspected to prevent chimney fires and fire spread beyond the chimney. The chimney and flue should be checked by a trained professional to make sure the lining, bricks, and mortar are all in tact and can safely withstand the heat of a fireplace fire.
Portland Fire and Rescue also reminds drivers in the vicinity of emergency scenes to never drive into a fire scene without the express consent and direction of a firefighter or police officer. Fire scenes and the streets surrounding them can become quickly congested with fire crews, bystanders, displaced building occupants, and media. The activities surrounding the fire can be distracting for all and moving vehicles add a dangerous and unnecessary risk. Keeping firefighters and the public safe by finding an alternate route around the fire scene or parking your vehicle and walking a few blocks will be appreciated by all. If your vehicle is trapped in the scene by fire crews or hoses and you absolutely must move it, notify a police officer or firefighter and please be patient. They will work with the driver(s) of the engine or ladder truck to move it as soon as it is reasonable and safe to do so.
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