January 17, 2012

12:19 pm

Portland Fire & Rescue responded early this morning to the report of a downed power line at the intersection of NW Skyline Blvd and NW Thompson Road, just two blocks from Forest Heights Station 27. Upon arrival Engine 27 found a car on fire as a result of a downed power line that had fallen on top of it.

Fires caused by downed power lines create additional hazards for firefighters. The car that was on fire was still energized by the power line, making the use of water to directly extinguish the fire impossible. Efforts were concentrated on protecting nearby exposures.

Portland Fire reminds its citizens that contact with downed power lines could end tragically, and snowy conditions can hide the downed power line from view. Please be sure to maintain a safe distance to avoid contact with downed power lines. If you encounter a downed power line, call 9-1-1. Dispatchers will then make sure the proper resources respond.

 Portland Fire & Rescue

In January and February 2012, all firefighter from Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) will attend a three-pronged training, focusing on the topics of respiratory protection (fire), scene awareness/hazardous materials scenarios, and pediatrics and obstetric or OB emergencies.  

The training will last for three hours.  The first half of class will review pediatrics and OB emergencies with several hands-on practice stations. During the second half of the training, HazMat Coordinator Grant Coffey will cover decision making on hazardous materials calls. Firefighters will then put their knowledge to the test when their asked to “respond” to an unexpected hazmat exposure.

This hands-on training will help to build PF&R firefighters’ confidence and skillfulness, allowing them to practice patient care, communication skills, and teamwork in a controlled setting.

  Portland Fire & Rescue

Each year in the United States, Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning claims approximately 400 lives and sends another 20,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. Portland Fire & Rescue encourages citizens and families to know there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

UNDERSTAND THE RISK

CO is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure. CO gas can come from several sources including gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces, and motor vehicles. Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Most at risk for CO poisoning are unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens, and people with heart or lung problems.

STAY SAFE! 

Click here to learn what actions to take if a CO Alarm goes off and simple ways to protect yourself and your family from CO poisoning.

  Portland Fire & Rescue

Cajun Smothered Potatoes

Recipe Courtesy of Retired Portland Firefighter Mark Walkley 

Seasoning Mix Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons paprika
• 2 Tablespoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon allspice

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs. potatoes (skin-on, sliced ¼ inch)
• 3 cups onions, sliced
• 2 cups chicken stock

Preparation:

1. In a large Dutch oven, combine potatoes and 2 T. seasoning mix
2. Cover and cook on high heat until turning golden about 6-8 minutes
3. Uncover occasionally and scrape
4. Add onions and remaining seasoning mix
5. Cover and cook scraping occasionally another 6-8 minutes
6. Add chicken stock and scrape
7. Cook uncovered until stock is completely absorbed

  Portland Fire & Rescue 

  We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  January 18, 2012 

Follow Portland Fire & Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

Incident Statistics: 

Total Incidents: 1,270

Medical: 1,028

Fire: 41

Other: 201

Major Incidents: 3

• 01/12/12@ 0422 hrs, Apartment Fire, 100 block of NE San Rafael St.  Loss: $35,000 Cause: Towel placed over portable heater.  One civilian transported to hospital.
• 01/13/12@ 1014 hrs, Hazardous Materials response Level II, 1000 block of SE 135^th Ave.  11 civilians transported to hospital.
• 01/14/12@ 1238 hrs, Water Rescue, Willamette River at Ross Island Bridge.  One person pulled from river and transported to hospital.    

  Portland Fire & Rescue