At 2:25 pm, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of a commercial building on fire at 7428 N St. Louis Avenue, the site of R and J Recycling.

Initial reports indicated that there were possibly tanks of hazardous materials inside, as well as vehicles with the possibility of explosions. Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 22 (St. Johns) arrived on scene in just three minutes with an engine and a ladder truck to find the building fully involved in fire.

Firefighters immediately pulled 2 and 1/2 inch hose lines (which are used on large fires and produce 300 gallons of water per minute) and assumed a defensive firefighting position. Crews from Portland Fire Station 8 (Kenton) alerted command that the fire had the potential to spread to a neighboring house and began focusing firefighting efforts on saving the home. Of particular concern was the fact that while firefighters were fighting this fire, vehicles continued driving over their hose lines on both North Lombard and North St. Louis. This is extremely dangerous as it can damage hose lines or cause a surge in water pressure, possibly injuring firefighters in their fire attack efforts.

The Incident Commander called for a second alarm at 2:41 pm bringing additional resources and apparatus to the scene to fight the blaze. At 2:58 pm it was determined that the roof had burned through and firefighters were ordered to remain in a defensive attack mode. The fire was brought under control at 3:12 pm. At this time, firefighters remain on scene to extinguish hot spots. One of the walls of the structure is compromised and firefighters are unable to enter that corner of the building.

The Red Cross has been called to the scene to assist two individuals with finding alternate housing. Firefighters are also ventilating a nearby health clinic at 9000 North Lombard, which filled with smoke as a result of this fire. A fire investigator is on scene working to determine the cause of this fire. No damage estimate is available at this time.

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Portland Fire & Rescue is on scene of a commercial fire at 7428 N St. Louis Avenue, the site of R and J Recycling. Fire crews were dispatched to the scene at 2:25 pm and arrived to find smoke and flames coming out of all sides of the building. At this time the roof is burned through and crews are attacking the fire defensively.

Media staging will be at: North Lombard and North St. Louis. A Public Information Officer is on scene.

Additional details will be posted as they become available.

August 21, 2012

4:20 PM

Due to the decrease of high temperatures and the increase of humidity, the Portland Fire Marshal has lifted the burn ban that was imposed on August 17, 2012 effective immediately. All outdoor burning including recreational fires are allowed within the city of Portland beginning today, August 21st. This burning ban lift is based on weather conditions and community fire safety needs.

Recreational fires, campfires and fires in outdoor fireplaces or chiminea type devices are now allowed.

Fire crews were dispatched to a house fire (11242 NE Sacramento St.) at 5:27 am and arrived to find heavy flames showing from the side of the house.  Station 30 (Gateway)  sent in a team to search for residents and extinguish the fire. Stations 2 (Parkrose), 7 (Mill Park), and 19 (Mt. Tabor) arrived shortly afterwards to protect neighboring homes and to help contain the fire. One resident was home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.

The fire originated in an 8'x 10' shed on the side of the house. It quickly spread to the eaves of house, but fire crews stopped it before it could reach the attic. Truck 2 and Engine 7 had to open up sections of the wall to verify that the fire was completely out.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and damage was estimated at $5,000.00.
Photographs courtesy of Fire Photographer Dick Harris.

Portland Fire responded to a wildland brush fire in the 7800 block of SE Oaks Park Way at 2:13 PM.  Engine 20 (Sellwood) was first to arrive and take command.  “I could see white smoke as we were arriving," said Capt. Sara Boone of Station 20.  “The situation was complicated because the fire was difficult to access because of the Springwater Trail and the railroad tracks.”  Because of the potential for fire spread, Boone called for a wildland response which brought additional resources including:      
3 Engines
1 Truck
2 Brush Units
1 Water Tender
2 Chief Officers
2 Investigators

Station 10 (Burlingame) approached the burning field area from the east and assisted in putting the fire out.  The burned-out area was approximately 300’ x 30’ and was on the east side of the trail and tracks, directly across from Oaks Amusement Park.  Two brush units, 18 (Multnomah Village) and 29 (Powellhurst) also assisted in cleaning up hot spots after the main body of the fire had been extinguished.  

Portland Fire investigators are at the scene to determine the cause of the blaze.  

Although the cause has not yet been determined, Portland Fire reminds you that during the summer months with the heat and low humidity, grass and brush are much easier to ignite.  Always dispose of burning material in a proper container.  

NOTIFICATION: 

An orientation meeting will be held on September 22nd, 2012 at 9 a.m..  The meeting will be held at the Training Facility, 4800 NE 122nd Avenue.  Completed applications and essay questionnaires will be accepted at the orientation meeting.  The meeting will cover all program requirements.  Attendance at the orientation meeting is optional.

The application deadline will be September 27th, 2012.  Candidates will be notified by email or telephone on Sept. 28th.  The starting date will be Sept. 29th.  The $30 cost and the $25 deposit will be collected by October 13th.  

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/fire/58421