January 12, 2012

8:10 am

At 4:23 am, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of smoke and flames coming from an apartment at 109 NE San Rafael.  Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 13 (Lloyd District) arrived at the scene in less than four minutes.  Firefighters immediately deployed hoselines and ladders to gain access to the second floor apartment and aggressively attacked the fire. 

The occupant of the apartment reported that he was in the shower at the time of the fire. When he emerged, he noticed smoke and flames coming from the heating unit in the living room of his apartment.  He immediately evacuated and called 9-1-1.  The man suffered smoke inhalation and was treated by Portland firefighter/paramedics before he was transported to Emanuel Hospital for evaluation. 

There are over 30 units in the apartment complex.  During the fire, the main electrical line coming into the complex was compromised due to fire so the utility company shut off power to the complex. 

"With temperatures dropping into the 20's, we are concerned for the well being of residents who will not have electricity or heat for an undetermined amount of time," said Battalion Chief Craig Funk.  "Portland Fire is working with the Red Cross to temporarily relocate residents until electricity is restored."

Fire Investigators determined that the cause of the fire was electrical in nature.  Damage is estimated at $30,000.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens to make sure all receptacles, switches and electrical components in your home are in good working order. Also, consider consulting a licensed electrician to provide an evaluation of such components. Worn receptacles and cord ends can provide resistance to electrical current creating excessive heat which can cause a fire.

  Portland Fire & Rescue 

Roasted Red Potatoes with Rosemary

Recipe Courtesy of Portland Lieutenant Michael Silva, Historic Belmont Firehouse 

Ingredients:

• 2 Pound(s) Baby Red Potatoes Scrubbed, Sliced
• 2 Tablespoon(s) Olive Oil 
• 1 Tablespoon(s) Rosemary Crushed
• 1/2 Teaspoon(s) Salt Optional
• 1/2 Teaspoon(s) Pepper 

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. Toss everything onto rimmed baking sheet.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes (stir half way through baking) or until potatoes are tender and a little brown.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories 140
• Total Fat 5 g
• Saturated Fat N/A
• Sodium 85 mg
• Total Carbohydrates 19 g
• Fiber 3 g
• Protein 3 g

  Portland Fire & Rescue 

  We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  January 12, 2012 

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January 14, 2012

5:25 pm

At 12:39 pm, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a woman jumping off the Ross Island Bridge. Multiple witnesses who were driving across the bridge at the time of the incident called 9-1-1 to report that they saw a woman who was walking westbound across the bridge suddenly turn, climb over the rail, and jump off the side.

Upon receiving the call from dispatch, firefighters from Portland Fire & Rescue Station 21 (Eastbank Hawthorne) ran down the Eastbank Esplanade dock adjacent to the station and boarded the Eldon Trinity rescue boat. Given the rescue boat's rapid response capabilities, firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes of the call. They located the woman's body in the river, lowered the boat's front platform into the water, and pulled her out of the frigid water.

Portland Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Weichal started CPR immediately and as a result of his efforts, the woman regained a pulse. Meanwhile, Firefighter Colin McGladrey piloted the rescue boat to shore and the patient was transferred to a waiting ambulance and taken to OHSU where her condition is unknown at this time.

"Thanks to eye witness reports, firefighters were able to quickly pinpoint the exact location where she entered the water. With water rescues, seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Arriving on scene and resuscitating her so quickly may have saved this woman's life," said Portland Fire Lieutenant Dean Krake.

 Portland Fire & Rescue