At 11:10 am the morning of January 27, 2010, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) firefighters responded to reports that a man had set himself on fire. This incident occured on the NE corner of 12th and Yamhill.  On arrival, firefighters found an adult male who was not on fire but had serious burn injuries.  Reports indicated that the man was put out by two Portland Police Officers and bystanders.  The man was transported to Emanuel Hospital was pronounced dead at the hospital.  The patient's name will not be released by PF&R to respect patient confidentiality. Portland fire investigators and Portland Police continue to investigate. 

Please refer any questions about the victim to the Medical Examiners Office.

January 27, 2010

UPDATE 01/28/10:  The location of the fire was at the 49th Block of SE 111th Avenue.  The victim was a male. No further information has been released at this time.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on January 28, 2010, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crews responded to the area of SE 108th and Schiller Street where neighbors reported smoke in the area.  Upon arrivial, firefighters discovered that there was both a vehicle and brush fire located behind a shed in the back of a flag lot.  After extinguishing the fire, crews realized that there was a victim in the car that had perished in the fire. 

PF&R fire investigators and the Portland Police are conducting an investigation. 

PF&R's response included: 

• 4 Engines
• 1 Truck
• 2 Chiefs
• 3 Investigators 
• Total of 25 fire personnel

January 28, 2010

The Trauma Intervention Program NW (TIP NW) of Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington held their 12^th annual Heroes with Heart Awards Dinner and Auction on November 5th, 2009 at the Embassy Suites in Portland, Oregon.  The event was well attended with a bustle of activity, great company, and generous ways to donate to a worthy cause at every turn.

The proceeds of the auction directly benefited TIP NW. TIP NW is a national voluntary nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that those who are emotionally traumatized in emergency situations receive the assistance they need. To accomplish that goal, TIP NW works closely with local communities to establish emergency services volunteer programs. In these programs, well-trained citizen volunteers are called to emergency scenes to assist family members, witnesses, and other bystanders who the emergency system often must leave behind.

The Silent and Live Auction at the annual dinner included over 230 items and baskets to bid on. Emergency services groups that work alongside TIP NW volunteers such as Portland Fire & Rescue fire stations were invited to “Build-Your-Own-Basket”.  The object was to collect and fill a basket with items around a theme and offer it in the silent auction to raise money for TIP.  The emergency services group that submitted the basket that raised the most money at the auction was promised a meal cooked by TIP volunteers. 

WHICH THEMED BASKETS RECEIVED THE HIGHEST EARNINGS??  DRUM ROLL PLEASE…The two highest-earning themed baskets were the Portland Fire Chiefs “A Tour Around Oregon” and Station 24’s “Firefighter Labor”! 

“They were very close in money raised at the auction, so we decided to combine them for the award,” according to June Vining, Executive Director of TIP.

Tuesday, January 26^th was payoff day!  Portland Fire Chiefs and firefighters from Station 24 gathered to enjoy a catered Mexican themed lunch, spearheaded by TIP volunteer Danielle Durham.  Lunch was served at Portland Fire Station 24 to a very appreciative group!

Citizens Helping Citizens in Crisis: More Information about the TIP Program If you are involved in a traumatic event, you may experience emotional shock and confusion.  The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) is a group of extensively trained citizen volunteers that provide emotional support to victims and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy. TIP partners with local police and fire agencies and provide 24-hour service to over one million citizens in the Portland/Vancouver Greater Metro areas. TIP has collaborated with Portland Fire & Rescue for over 17 years. 

TIP volunteers are called to the scene by firefighters, and they're always available. Among other services, TIP volunteers help notify family and friends, arrange for shelter, food and clothing, and can refer you to agencies for further assistance. If you or a loved one are involved in a serious injury or illness and would like help from a TIP volunteer, feel free to ask one of the firefighters at the scene for more information.

TIP Portland/Vancouver Chapter currently has over 170 current and active volunteers who respond in pairs to an average of 150 calls per month. If you would like to volunteer with the TIP Program, visit their website at www.tipnw.org or contact June Vining, TIP Coordinator, at (503) 823-3937.

January 29, 2010

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), an estimated 500,000 pets in the United States are affected by devastating home fires each year! 

Throughout the week, Portland Fire & Rescue will be providing helpful prevention, escape, and rescue tips for pet owners.  It is important to US to help keep EVERY member of your family safe! 

To keep pets safe, it’s important to plan for unexpected emergencies such as house fires.  The tips below will help keep your pets safe and sound from house fires:

Extinguish Open Flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

Pet Proof the Home - Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as the stove knobs, loose wires and other potential hazards.

Secure Young Pets - Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.

Keep Pets Near Entrances – When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances, preferably on the ground floor, where firefighters can easily find them.

Practicing Escape Routes with Pets – Be sure that your pets are part of your organized evacuation plan. Rehearse your plan repeatedly with your family, including your pets. Make sure to keep collars and leashes at the ready in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.

Since Pets Left Alone Can’t Escape a Burning Home – Use monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center, providing an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.

Keep Your Information Updated - Firefighters are familiar with pet alert window clings so keep the number of pets listed on them updated. Knowing the accurate number of pets in the house can aid rescuers in locating your pets.  Note that Portland firefighters do look for pets.  It doesn't take a sticker: if a neighbor says there may be pets inside a burning house, firefighters will look.  Portland firefighter’s first priority is saving human lives -- including their own.  

Pet Disaster Kit: Assemble a pet disaster kit that includes a supply of your pet’s food and treats, water, vaccination records and medications, emergency contact information including your veterinarian’s number, a favorite toy and an extra leash and collar with your pet's identification.

Emergency Boarding: Research pet organizations in your area ahead of time, so you will have a place to board your animal in case of emergency.  

Neighbors: Give a key to a trusted neighbor, and make sure they know where your pet might be located within the house so they can inform firefighters.

Working Smoke Detectors: Pets are members of the family too, and their safety depends on your ability to comply with standard fire safety measures. Be sure to have working smoke detectors on every level of the home and near bedrooms, and keep hallways and home exits free of clutter.

Check back tomorrow to learn about the specialty equipment Portland Fire & Rescue uses to help pets who are suffering from smoke inhalation!

February 1, 2010

February 1, 2010