Last week the 3rd Annual Community Integration Cup soccer tournament took place at Delta Park. The tournament was hosted by Portland Parks and Recreation in partnership with Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Police Bureau, and many other organizations. This tournament brought youth and communities together to share a common universal language that is well loved by all nations in the world - soccer. The tournament included teams from the Middle East, Europe, Africa, South America, and North America.
There were three teams coached by Portland firefighters from Station 7 (Mill Park), Station 24 (Overlook/Swan Island), and the girls team was coached by firefighters from the Prevention Division. The youths ranged in age from 15-19.
Both Station 24 and Station 7's teams played extremely well in the first round and advanced to the playoffs reaching the semifinals. The girls placed second overall in their tournament. All the teams showed great character and dedication to work as a team and grow as individuals while enjoying the great game of soccer. Portland Fire & Rescue looks forward to reuniting with their teams again next year for the tournament's 4th year.
July 11, 2012
4:24 PM
911 dispatchers received calls this afternoon (1:39 pm) stating that there was smoke coming from an apartment located at 15533 NE Glisan. A neighbor reported hearing a smoke alarm before she called. Station 30 (Gateway) was the first on scene and after doing a search for victims immediately went into fire suppression mode. Station 7 (Mill Park), which houses an engine and a truck, evacuated neighbors, supplied water, and sent a team to the roof to help relieve the structure of smoke so the interior crews could contain and put out the fire.
Station 2 (Park rose) arrived shortly thereafter to help salvage as much as they could from the unit. Gresham station 74 also assisted. Red Cross was called to assist the residents. A fire investigator was called to help with a damage assessment.
No one was home at the time of the fire, but the fire did originate on the stove. Unattended cooking fires are the leading cause of home structure fires and civilian home fire injuries. This is true for both fires reported to fire departments and those handled without fire department assistance. Overall, these incidents accounted for 2 of every 5 reported home fires (42%) and reported home fire injuries (37%).
Portland Fire & Rescue would like to remind all to be extra careful in the kitchen... and to never leave food unattended.
On June 16th, four PF&R members competed in the 5 Alarm Cook Off in Newport, Oregon. This was the first appearance that PF&R has made at the event, which raises money for the hungry. The cook off took place at an elementary school with 10 fire departments - mainly from the coast - battling it out. Representing PF&R was Tom Hurley who was Team Captain and Advisor. Michael and Matthew Silva and Jed Hollenbeck were the PF&R cooks. They made Jed’s famous firehouse coleslaw, Korean style short ribs with Hawaiian marinade, and for dessert they layered wild strawberries on rounds of puff pastry, which turned out to be a huge crowd pleaser. The team received two - first place awards for their dessert and ribs. Members of the team had a great time and cannot wait to do it next year. Special thanks to Northwest Safety Clean for sponsoring PF&R's team.
July 13, 2012
5:11 PM
Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a house fire at 2:29 pm located at 2955 NE Everett. The crew from Station 9 arrived first to smoke and flames showing... and quickly formulated a plan of attack. All residents were already outside of the home so firefighters could concentrate on mitigating the fire. Interior crews reported that the large amount of smoke in the house made it difficult to reach the "seat" of the fire. Truck 1 (downtown) arrived in time to cut a hole in the roof of the structure to allow the smoke to escape to the outside. Shortly thereafter the fire was contained and extinguished.
Additional crews responded (Station 1, 13, and 28) to protect exposures, contain the fire, and salvage as much of the home owner's possessions as possible. Total Response : 4 engines, 1 truck, 1 squad, and 2 chiefs.
The fire started in the kitchen and quickly spread to the dining and living areas. Fire investigators estimated the damage at $30,000. The Red Cross was called to assist the homeowner. "If there is one message that we would like to get out to the public," said Fire Lieutenant Stephenie Bowen, " it's to have working smoke alarms... they really do save lives."
June 25 - 29 was the 9th annual Fogarty Soccer Camp. Over 400 children participated in the camp with ages ranging from three to 13. All of these children were able to participate free of charge due to the huge support of local sponsors. Of the ten sponsors a few of the major contributors were Portland Firefighters Local 43, Financial Thrivent, Bashors Team Athletics, and Ascension Lutheran Church. The children not only received coaching in the sport of soccer but also received a t-shirt, water bottle, shin guards, and a team picture. Over 49 high school and college-aged volunteers helped to make the camp the success it was. These volunteers did everything from set up to coaching to refereeing the games.
Portland Fire & Rescue Stations 29 (Gilbert) and 31 (Rockwood) were more than happy to come volunteer some time to grill up burgers and hot dogs for the volunteers, participants, and the entire surrounding neighborhoods for lunch during the days of the camp. They were also in attendance and helping on Friday the 29th when the entire neighborhood was invited to come to Ascension Lutheran Church for a barbeque where there were hundreds of community members in attendance. Portland Fire & Rescue is happy to support a retired member in this great activity for an entire community, and hopes that the event will continue for many years to come.
