Portland Fire & Rescue Arson Investigators Make Arrest in ATM Fire - 08/31/10 >Portland Fire & Rescue arson investigators arrested Randolph C. Hubbard last night in relation to fire damage to an ATM. Mr. Hubbard was arraigned this afternoon.
Early on August 1, 2010, a surveillance camera at the Unitus Community Credit Union, located at 1300 SW 6th Avenue, took a picture of a person attempting to use the ATM. At the same time, a surveillance video camera recorded the same person causing fire damage to the ATM. An Oregon Trail card and another piece of identification kept by the ATM also linked Mr. Hubbard to the incident. When staff reported to work later that morning, the fire damage was discovered.
Portland Fire & Rescue arson investigators, working with the Portland Police Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, were able to connect Mr. Hubbard with this incident and took him into custody. Mr. Hubbard has been charged with Arson II, Criminal Mischief (a Class C misdemeanor), and Reckless Burning. Maximum penalties could be $8,500 and six years imprisonment.
Investigators are unable to release any further evidence at this time.
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Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to an Apartment Fire at 11002 NE Broadway. *Updated with photos, cause and loss information. - 08/29/10 >At Approx. 1100 this morning Portland Firefighters responded to reports of fire from a four unit apartment building. On arrival firefighters found "gray smoke showing" from an apartment. Fire crews made entry and found a significant amount of fire in one apartment spreading to another. Fire had also infiltrated the attic space.
Firefighters immediately began attacking the fire and checking for victims. This firefight was made more difficult by an excessive amount of debris inside the apartment. Fire crews were however able to get the fire under control relatively quickly.
No one was injured in this fire, but three people were displaced. Two apartments are uninhabitable. A woman lived in one and the other was home to a couple. While the Red Cross will be assisting the woman with finding shelter, the couple will stay with friends or family.
*UPDATE
Investigators have determined that this fire was caused by a couch and debris that was too close to a baseboard heater. The loss in this fire is estimated at $70,000.
Fast Facts
Dispatched-1058
Crews Arrived-1102
Fire Under Control-1124
PF&R Response
5 Engines
2 Trucks
2 Chiefs
1 Investigator
1 Rehabilitation Unit
Portland Fire Investigators Release Cause of Deck Fire at Street of Dreams - 08/24/10 >Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a fire at the Portland Street of Dreams on Monday, August 23, 2010 at approximately 7:47 pm. Upon arrival, responding crews found that a deck area surrounding a fire pit at 8317 NW Cresap Lane was on fire. Firefighters extinguished the flames, which were contained to the deck and did not spread to the rest of the home.
Fire Investigators announced today that they have determined the fire's cause. The fire was accidental in nature and caused by a fire pit that was not installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations and placed too close to combustible materials. The fire pit trough was installed inside a wood-framed raised seating area on the home's fixed exterior deck.
The attached pictures from Portland Fire Investigators depict what the fire pit would have looked like before and after the fire.
Fire pits are extremely popular and a great way to enhance your home's outdoor living experience. Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens who have, or are considering, installing a fire pit at their home to make sure they or their contractor follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation to prevent future fires.
Portland Fire & Rescue Deploys to Maupin-Area Fire - 08/19/10 >By order of the State Fire Marshal, Portland firefighters were deployed at approximately 8:00 pm to a fire that is threatening the Maupin area as part of the Multnomah County Wildland Taskforce. They will be involved in a multi-agency effort to control the fire.
Portland Fire & Rescue sent two fire engines, one battalion chief, one assistant chief, a mechanic, a training lieutenant, eight firefighters, and one public information officer for a total of 13 personnel that will be involved in this response.
Corbett Fire deployed a water tender and brush unit and Gresham Fire & Emergency Services sent one fire engine.
Information will be updated as it becomes available.
UPDATE: Portland Fire & Rescue Investigators Determine Cause of 2nd Alarm Fire in NE - 08/16/10 >**Update**
The 2nd alarm fire has been determined to be accidental. The improper disposal of coals was the cause of the fire.
Please remember that the proper receptacle to use for hot ashes and coals should be a metal container with a lid. It should also be placed away from any combustible materials including common locations such as wooden decks.
Building valued at: $787,520.00
Loss figured at: $196,880.00
Contents valued at: $320,000.00
Loss figured at: $80,000.00
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**Update**
The 2nd alarm fire at 12134 NE Fremont is still under investigation.
Pictures of the fire are attached. All photos courtesy of Portland Fire & Rescue photographer Dick Harris.
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**Update**
PF&R's Investigators are working to determine a cause of the 2nd alarm fire tonight. Crews are still working. A fire watch by designated crews will be in place throughout the night.
There were two firefighters treated on scene for heat exhaustion, they were not transported. The fire victim, a 40 year old male, was transported to Emanuel.
The total number of rigs and firefighters are as follows:
Engines: 8
Trucks: 5
Squad: 1
Chiefs: 5
Investigators: 2
Rehab Unit: 1
Medic Units: 2
PIO: 1 Approximate number of personnel on scene = 72
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Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to a 2-alarm townhouse fire near NE 122nd Ave and NE Fremont St. The first arriving crews reported heavy smoke and large amounts of fire showing through the roof of a multi-unit townhouse building, located at 12134 NE Fremont Street, and a nearby power pole. A second alarm was requested shortly after arrival.
One individual was transported to an area hospital for injuries sustained in the fire. One firefighter will be transported to an area hospital shortly for heat exhaustion. The fire has been contained, but firefighers are still working at this time.
Media Staging: PIO is at the corner of NE 122nd & NE Fremont
Quick Facts:
Dispatched- 9:14 pm
First Unit Arrived- 9:17 pm
Recalled- 10:09 pm
Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Aparment Fire in SW Portland - 08/13/10 >Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of an apartment on fire at 9:32 pm. Upon arrival, firefighters from the first arriving engine company found heavy fire coming up and over the roof from a second-story apartment in the 2-story wood frame structure located at 5627 SW Kelly Avenue. The fire appears to have originated in a studio apartment above the Jolly Roger Restaurant. The restaurant and two other studio apartments sustained minor damage.
All occupants safely evacuated the restaurant and three apartments above. After cutting vent holes in the roof and an aggressive attack by firefighters, the fire was brought under control at 10:02 pm. An investigator is on scene and the fire's cause has not been determined at this time.
Quick Facts:
Crews dispatched: 9:32 pm
Crews arrived: 9:37 pm
Fire controlled: 10:02 pm
Response Information:
4 Engines
2 Trucks
1 Heavy Squad
1 Rehab
2 Chiefs
1 Investigator
Update: Portland Fire Rescue Responding to Apartment Fire in SE Portland - 08/13/10 >Update:
Firefighters from Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a fire at an apartment building located at 7080 SE 16th at 4:23 pm. Crews arrived to find fire visible from the roof and a power line down in front of the building. Crews extinguished the fire, which spread up the side of the building and into the attic from a bush that caught fire next to the building. The fire was brought under control at 4:45 pm.
At 4:39 pm, Portland firefighters responded to the fourth fire in three hours. First-arriving crews found a 3-story house with flames coming from a second story balcony located at 2440 SW Hoffman between SW Sheffield Avenue and SW Broadway Drive. This fire was brought under control at 4:50 pm.
Firefighters carry over 70 lbs. of gear when wearing their full turnouts and self-contained breathing apparatus. With the extremely hot weather we have had in Portland today, firefighters are being carefully monitored by fire commanders to ensure that they stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion.
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Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to its third fire in three hours. Crews arrived at the scene of an apartment fire at 4:25 pm at 7080 SE 16th between SE Bybee Blvd. and SE Rural St. to find smoke coming out of the attic. There is a power line down in front of the building. Traffic delays in the area should be expected.
Updates will be made as information becomes available.
Update: Portland Fire & Rescue Responding to Commercial Fire in NW Portland - 08/13/10 >Update:
Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of dark smoke coming from a vent on the roof of Esco Corporation, located at 2141 NW 25th Avenue, at 2:48 pm this afternoon. Upon arrival crews found that an unknown quantity of molten metal had spilled onto the ground and caught fire.
Crews had difficulty extinguishing the fire due to the extreme temperature of the molten metal. Firefighters were also concerned that if water were applied to the fire, a steam explosion could result. High voltage from a furnace in the area of the fire also made conditions potentially hazardous for firefighters.
Firefighters sprayed light mist onto the edge of the fire and let it slowly extinguish itself. The fire was brought under control at 3:14 pm. It may take up to another hour for the metal to cool and for crews to be able to assess the damage. There were no hazardous materials involved in this fire and all occupants escaped the building safely.
Quick Facts:
4 engines
2 trucks
2 Chiefs
1 PIO
Fire dispatched: 2:48 pm
Fire crews arrived: 2:51 pm
Fire controlled: 3:14 pm
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Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to reports of a fire at a large commercial structure located at 2141 NW 25th Avenue. A Public Information Officer is enroute. Media staging will be on NW Wilson St.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
Update 2 - Photos: Gresham Fire & Emergency Services and Portland Fire Rescue Responding to 2-Alarm Apartment Fire - 08/13/10 >Update 2: Photos provided.
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Update:
The 2-alarm apartment fire at 1371 NE 162nd Avenue in Gresham was brought under control at 2:13 pm.
Gresham and Portland firefighters responded to reports of heavy fire coming from a 2-story apartment building at 1:36 pm. A 2nd alarm was called at 1:40 pm bringing additional resources to the scene.
One civilian suffered smoke inhalation as a result of the fire but declined to go to the hospital. Firefighters battled this blaze in extremely hot weather. The additional units called to the scene enabled commanders to rotate firefighters and prevent heat exhaustion. Approximately 50 total fire personnel from Gresham and Portland responded to this fire.
Photos will be made available in the near future.
Quick Facts:
Units Dispatched- 1:36 pm
Units Arrived-1:39 pm
2nd Alarm Called – 1:40 pm
Fire Controlled-2:13 pm
Response Information:
9 Engines
2 Trucks
1 Rehab Unit
2 Chiefs
1 PIO
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Gresham Fire & Emergency Services and Portland Fire & Rescue are responding to a 2-alarm apartment fire at 1371 NE 162nd Avenue in Gresham. Firefighters were dispatched at 1:36 pm. to reports of a 2-story apartment with heavy fire showing out of the roof.
A Public Information Officer is responding. Updates will be provided as they become available.
Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Garage Fire in North Portland - 08/10/10 >Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a garage on fire at 10:23 a.m. today. Firefighters from Station 8 arrived first on scene at 5813 N Omaha Avenue and found a detached garage with dark smoke coming out from under the eaves. The garage was located approximately 15 feet from a home.
Firefighters were advised of hazardous conditions because the garage contained gunpowder, paints, and gasoline. In addition, the contents stored in the garage presented access issues for firefighters as they fought the fire.
The fire was brought under control at 10:38 a.m. Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby home. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Quick Facts:
Units Dispatched- 10:23 a.m.
Units Arrived-10:27 a.m.
Fire Controlled -10:38 a.m.
Response Information:
4 Engines, 1 Truck, 2 Chiefs, and 1 Investigator
20 total firefighters
Portland Fire Chief and Union President to Open MDA Fill the Boot Fundraiser - 08/09/10 >Event: Fill the Boot Kickoff Party
Date/Time: August 12, 2010, 10am-noon (ceremony approx. 10:30am)
Location: Kells Irish Restaurant, 112 Southwest 2nd Avenue, Portland
Portland Fire and Rescue (PF&R) Chief John Klum and Portland Firefighters Association (PFFA) President Jim Forquer will commemorate the start of Fill the Boot fundraising activities for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on August 12th. Joined by the management of Kells, MDA officials, local MDA families directly affected by MD, and local off-duty firefighters, Chief Klum and President Forquer will place the ceremonial "First Dollar in the Boot" to kick off local firefighters' fundraising drive. Additionally, PFFA will present a $3000 donation from its Charitable Fund - money directly donated by Portland firefighters.
This is an opportunity to demonstrate the commitment by local families, businesses, fire officials, and firefighters' unions in supporting MDA and their important missions of helping those with muscular dystrophy and related diseases.
This year, all of the major metro-area fire department unions are coordinating Fill the Boot efforts, and will be holding events throughout the region from August 12-14 (see below for details). Portland, Gresham, Clackamas, Hillsboro, Vancouver, Tualatin Valley, and Scappoose firefighters raised a combined total of over $105,000 in 2009 Fill the Boot efforts, and seek to exceed that amount in 2010.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has been a major contributor to MDA for over 50 years through its annual "Fill the Boot" event. There are hundreds of local families in all fire districts receiving support from the MDA. The money donated to our Fill the Boot effort is dedicated to our local chapter of the MDA. This chapter helps provide assistance for medical care expenses, specialized equipment, and other costs including MDA Camp, and local support groups. Additionally, many local firefighters serve as counselors at MDA Camp.
TIMES AND LOCATIONS OF FILL THE BOOT EVENTS THIS WEEK:
Portland:
8/12-13, 3-6:30pm
NW 23rd/ Burnside; SE 122nd/ Stark
Hillsboro:
8/12, 3:30-7pm: Hwy 26/ Shute; Baseline/ 10th
8/13, 3:30-7pm: Baseline/ Brookwood
Vancouver:
8/12-13, noon-4pm
Fourth Plain/ Andresen; 162nd Ave/ NE 18th St.
Gresham:
8/13-14, 9am-5pm
Eastman Pkwy/Division
Clackamas:
8/13: SE 82nd/Causey
8/14: Mollala Ave/ Gaffney Ln, Oregon City
Scappoose:
8/14, 10am-4pm
Hwy 30/ NW Havlik
Tualatin Valley:
Multiple times/ locations
UPDATE 3 INVESTIGATION: Portland Fire & Rescue Responding to 2nd Alarm Fire - 08/09/10 >UPDATE 3 FIRE INVESTIGATION 08/09/2010 1220 HOURS
Portland Fire & Rescue Investigators Complete Scene Investigation of 2-Alarm Shamrock Fire
Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a 2-alarm fire at 8101 N Fessenden Street on Friday, August 6, 2010 at the Shamrock Market.
Responding Portland Fire & Rescue Investigators initiated an investigation. After conducting interviews and an examination of the fire scene, investigators have determined that the fire originated in an office area behind a row of beverage coolers.
Investigators identified several potential electric ignition sources within the office area, which was located in the northwest corner of the building. Further independent testing of electrical sources for failure analysis will be necessary to determine a cause. Such testing will be at the discretion of interested, responsible third parties.
The building, valued at $462,000, and the contents, valued at $250,000, were declared a total loss.
Contact: PIO Justin de Ruyter, 503-940-6003
The fire at N Fessenden Street and N Oswego Ave is under control at 8:10 p.m. Crews are still on scene and, according to Public Information Officer Paul Corah, will probably be there all night to make sure all hot spots are extinguished.
Portland Fire & Rescue was called to the scene at 6:22 p.m. The fire rapidly extended into the building's cockloft and facade, and a second alarm was called at 6:39 p.m. A few minutes later, the incident commander ordered all firefighters out of the building when crews reported that heat was building up inside and the fire went through the roof.
Nine engines, two trucks, and a rescue unit responded to the fire. An air unit and rehab unit supported the firefighters. About 60 personnel responded, including safety officers and investigators. Investigators state that it is unlikely that they will be able to enter the building before morning.
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UPDATE Smoke from this fire is staying close to the ground, from N. Oswego to two blocks east. People with breathing problems are advised to stay indoors near the working fire.
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Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to a second alarm fire at 8101 N Fessenden Street. First-arriving crews reported that everyone has evacuated the Shamrock MiniMart.
PIO is responding, initial media staging will be at N Charleston and N Fessenden.
Portland Fire & Rescue Extinguishes Container Fire at Terminal Six - 08/06/10 >Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a report of a 40-foot cargo container on fire at the Port of Portland's terminal six located at 7201 N. Marine Drive on Thursday, August 5, 2010.
At 1:50 pm, crews from Portland Fire Stations 8, 17, and 26 were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, crews found smoke and flames coming from a 40-foot long storage container full of tires. The container was located approximately 100 feet away from a hazmat area, making conditions potentially hazardous for firefighters. The fire was brought under control at 2:07 pm.
The cause of the fire was determined to be a welder's torch, which caught the container on fire during cutting and welding operations.
Portland Fire & Rescue provides fire suppression for the Port of Portland's marine terminals. Incidents of terminal fires are relatively low considering that in 2009, over 174,000 container units were loaded onto or discharged from ocean going vessels and 2.8 million tons of container cargo was handled. However, given the large volume and value of product handled through the Port of Portland, rapid fire response is critical.
