June 24, 2012

2:21 PM

At 12:07 pm Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a house fire at 3724 SE 9th Ave. Multiple calls were received from neighbors and fire crews could see smoke coming from the scene as they were responding. At 12:10 pm, six minutes after the original call came in, Engine 21 (Eastbank/Hawthorne) arrived to find a 10 ft. by 10 ft. playhouse on fire in the backyard.

The crew from Engine 21 quickly stretched a hose line to the back of the house and extinguished the flames while making sure that no one was inside the play structure. It was noted by firefighters that the fire had been hot enough to melt the vinyl siding on the back of the house. The fire also melted a plastic fence and damaged a few trees. The fire was brought under control at 12:17 pm.

"Due to the quick thinking from members of the neighboring homes, fire crews were notified and were able to extinguish the blaze in a matter of minutes," said Portland Fire & Rescue Public Information Officer Paul Corah.

Portland Fire & Rescue wants to remind its citizens to never hesitate to call 911 when there is suspicion that a neighboring house could be on fire. You might be the only person who has seen the smoke and/or flames.

A Portland Fire Investigator is on scene and the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. There was a damage estimate of $1,500 to the play structure, $2,000 damage to the vinyl siding on the house, $1,000 damage to a plastic fence and $500 damage to a few trees.

June 24, 2012

7:52 PM

At 4:03 pm Engine 4 (Portland State University) responded to reports of a dumpster fire at 301 SW Lincoln St. (The Village at Lovejoy Fountain Tower Homes). Engine 4 arrived three minutes later and found a 14 story apartment building with flames coming from the ground level covered parking area. The fire was inside roughly a 20 cubic yard dumpster with flames rolling onto the ceiling and lapping out onto the exterior of the 2nd floor. Engine 4 immediately called for additional resources because of the amount/location of the fire and possible life safety hazard.

The crew from Engine 4 stretched a large hose line and extinguished the flames while additional fire crews searched the floors above for occupants. The fire was contained to the carport area but there was a significant amount of smoke in the units directly above the fire. The smoke conditions became lighter as crews climbed each floor and large ventilation fans were brought in to help remove the smoke from the building. The fire was brought under control at 4:42 pm.

There were no reports of injuries during this fire. The dumpster was removed from the carport and a Portland Fire Investigator is on scene working to determine the cause of this fire and damage estimates.

On May 24th, our community lost one of it's own in Afghanistan. Cpl. Keaton Coffey (USMC) was killed in action while assisting Special Forces operations.  Keaton was weeks away from returning to his fiancée and new life in Oregon.  He was the only son of Inger and Grant Coffey, a retired Portland Fire Battalion Chief.  Many community members have asked how they can support the Coffey family.  To honor the sacrifice of one who gave all for his country and preserve his memory, contributions can be made to the Keaton Coffey scholarship and memorial.   Donations to the Keaton Coffey Memorial Fund (Tax ID# 26-2206115) are completely tax deductible.
 
Damascus Christian School, 14251 SE Rust Way Damascus, OR 97089 (503)-658-4100, has offered to be a collection point for donations. Additionally, Surf Bear Coffee Shop at 19880 OR Hwy 212 has offered to donate its day's proceeds in Keaton's memory on July 26^th.  Please stop by if you get a chance. 

What: 101st Annual David Campbell Memorial Service

When: Tuesday, 10:00a.m, June 26th

Where: 19th and West Burnside

For the past 101 years, Portland Fire & Rescue has taken a moment each June, on the anniversary of the death of Fire Chief David Campbell, to honor the 36 Portland firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Join Fire Commissioner Randy Leonard, Fire Chief Erin Janssens, Portland Firefighters Association President Jim Forquer, and the Campbell Memorial Board of Trustees as they pay tribute to Portland's fallen heroes.

The Campbell Memorial was established in 1913 to perpetuate the memory of Portland's heroic Fire Chief David Campbell, who died in a building collapse after ordering all firefighters from the burning building. A memorial to fallen firefighters was also created, as well as an awards program to honor Portland firefighters who have performed outstanding acts of heroism while in the performance of assigned duties.

Photo opportunities:

-the 2012 Firefighter of the Year, Lt. Aimee Rooney, will ring the bell for fallen Portland firefighters -presentation of flower wreath by Commissioner Randy Leonard -bagpipes played by Firefighter Greg Rose -platoon of firefighters in dress uniform -Portland Fire & Rescue and Portland Police Honor Guard

Downstairs, at Portland Fire Station 1 (Old Town), the lobby has been recently enhanced with a display depicting the history of Portland Fire.  Located at 55 SW Ash, the display is open to the public during regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) so that those passing by and through the station can enjoy the pictures, a historical mural, antique steamer, and more.  Next time you are near the station, stop by and check out the new display.