At 12:50 pm, Portland firefighters were dispatched to reports of flames coming from a commercial structure. The fire was discovered at 12350 SE Powell Blvd., the home of the Human Solutions non-profit organization. Firefighters from SE Portland Station 7 arrived at the scene with an engine and truck and found flames coming through the roof.
Two fire truck crews used aerial ladders to extend hose lines to the roof and quickly knock down the blaze, which was contained to the roof. There was significant smoke damage throughout the building and firefighters worked extensively to ventilate the building.
Fire investigators remain on scene working to determine the cause of the fire. Damage estimates are not yet available.
Cooking is the major cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Portland Fire & Rescue encourages citizens to understand how fire-safe behaviors can vastly reduce the risks of injuries, deaths, and property damage.
Start with the kitchen safety quiz below and see how many questions you can answer correctly. The answers can be found at the end of the quiz.
Last week, Oregon Partnership, Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Police Bureau (PPB), and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to draw attention to the community-wide epidemic of suicide in Portland and throughout Oregon. On hand were social workers, mental health professionals, first responders, and suicide survivors to help spread the message of prevention and awareness.
Just in the last year, PF&R has responded to 55 calls of individuals attempting suicide by jumping off Portland’s bridges. Also during that time, volunteers at Oregon Partnership’s Suicide Lifeline have fielded over 19,000 calls, providing immediate assistance and referring people to helping resources.
During the press conference, speakers discussed the leading cause of suicide – untreated depression and mental illness.
PPB Lieutenant and Public Information Officer Robert King stressed the importance of suicide prevention resources, connecting the issue to his own career. Each year, 300 police officers commit suicide nationally.
Leslie Storm, the Crisis Clinical Director for Oregon Partnership, wants citizens to know that suicide is preventable. “The sigma, shame, secrecy and myths surrounding suicide unfortunately keep people from getting the help they need.” Storm went on to say, “It is a myth that people who are talking about killing themselves don’t go through with it. If you hear somebody talking about killing themselves, ask about it. Don't be afraid to ask.”
If you are suicidal or you think someone you know is, help is available. Start by learning the warning signs of suicide. Contact the Suicide Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) for free, confidential crisis intervention and referral.
Warning Signs of Suicide:
Ideation (thinking, talking or wishing about suicide)
Substance use or abuse (increased use or change in substance)
Purposelessness (no sense of purpose or belonging)
Anger
Trapped (feeling like there is no way out)
Hopelessness (there is nothing to live for, no hope or optimism)
PORTLAND FIRE & RESCUE GO BOND PROJECT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2011
TIME:
3:00 PM. – 5:00 PM
LOCATION:
Portland Fire & Rescue Administration
Skidmore Conference Room
55 SW Ash Street
Portland,OR 97204
AGENDA:
I. Welcome
II. Approve August 10 Meeting Minutes
III. Committee Business
IV. Review Project Status Reports
V. Financial Reports
VI. Questions / Next Steps
A request for an interpreter or assisted listening device for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to (503) 823-5540. (TTY 503-823-6868)
About the Portland Fire and Rescue GO Bond Project Oversight Committee
Portland Fire and Rescue will receive a total of $27.7M in General Obligation Bond proceeds, as authorized by Portland voters (Measure 26-117, November 2010 general election) to replace aging fire and emergency apparatus ($19.8M) and to construct a fire station near Willamette River ($7.9M). The Measure 26-117 ballot title requires that the City establish a five-member citizen oversight committee. This Independent Citizen Committee (ICC), as well as individual Project Oversight Committees is described in a December 20, 2010 memorandum from the City’s Chief Administrative Officer. Per this memorandum, the Portland Fire and Rescue GO Bond Project Oversight Committee will serve the City in both project advisory and oversight roles as follows:
Provide reports to the City of Portland’s Independent Citizen Committee (these reports will serve as the basis for the Independent Citizen Committee to develop their reports to the Chief Administrative Officer and City Council);
Provide oversight and guidance for the two Portland Fire and Rescue GO Bond funded projects: the replacement of apparatus and the construction of fire station;
Provide feedback on project planning and implementation to the Fire Chief and
Assist with communication to the Independent Citizen Committee and the City Council regarding the expenditures for the public safety General Obligation Bond Measure.
