Updated with Fire Cause and Damage Estimates

March 18, 2012

3:42 PM

Portland Fire & Rescue's Fire Investigators have determined the cause of the house fire at 10155 NW Wilark Avenue. The cause was determined to be accidental and started when embers from the fireplace exited the firebox and came in contact with combustibles near the fireplace.

The house is a total loss valued at $100,000.00.

Portland Fire & Rescue recommends you visit: http://www.portlandonline.com/fire/woodstove and follow the chimney and woodstove safety instructions. Also remember to test your smoke detectors regularly.

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March 18, 2012

7:14 AM

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a house fire at 10155 N. Wilark at 12:20 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012. When Portland Fire Station 22 (St. Johns) arrived at 12:25 am, they found fire coming from three out of four sides of the two-story home. The resident, a 67 year old male, had gotten out of the house, but suffered smoke inhalation and was transported by AMR to Emanuel Hospital. His condition at the time of transport was stable.

The fire was so large, that it could be seen from the St. Johns Bridge and across the river into St. Johns. Firefighters determined that the fire could only be stopped by taking a defensive strategy. This means that all fire crews fought the fire from outside the home while protecting the homes neighboring the house. It took firefighters almost 2 hours to get the fire under control which was at 2:15 am. And at 6:45 am, one fire engine was still at the scene working.
 

Firefighters have to be extra careful when fighting fires for this length of time. Fatigue and heat exhaustion can become a factor with the fire crews. A rehabilitation apparatus was brought in to assist. This apparatus provides water, food, a place to rest and a bathroom for these types' of long incidents.
St. Helens road was shut down during those two hours of firefighting. A ladder truck and engine were placed on the highway to shoot water from below the burning home. This helped crews get water on the fire from a location that was difficult to reach on foot.

A fire investigator was on scene and the cause is under investigation. Sauvie Island's Volunteer Fire Department also assisted Portland Fire & Rescue. No other injuries occurred.

Photos courtesy of Portland Fire Photographer Greg Muhr.

March 19, 2012 -- Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if you did not have water, gas electricity or telephones after a major emergency?  You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having food, water, and other supplies to last for at least three days. 

Police and Fire will respond to the scene of an emergency or disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Families can and do cope with disasters by preparing in advance. You too can be prepared by maintaining a 72-hour emergency supply kit for your home.

Click here to learn what to include in your family's 72-Hour Emergency Supply Kit.  

For additional information on Disaster Preparedness, contact Portland Fire & Rescue’s Public Education Office at (503) 823-3700. 

Incident Statistics: 

Total Incidents: 1,363

Medical: 1,125

Fire: 24

Other: 214

Major Incidents: 3 (further information provided below)

• 03/11/12 @ 1841 hrs, Apartment Fire, 14100 block of NE Sandy Blvd. Loss: $17,500 Cause: Under investigation.
• 03/12/12 @ 1615 hrs, Traffic Accident with Pin-in, 3200 block of  NE 162^nd Ave. Two fatalities and two critical patients transported to area hospital.
• 03/14/12 @ 0537 hrs, Commercial Fire, 5200 block of NE Martin Luther King Blvd. Loss: $60,000 Cause: Heat from lamp ignited nearby combustibles.