Portland firefighters responded to reports of smoke coming from the eaves of a two-story home at 9704 SE Reedway at 11:57 pm last night.  Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire coming from the basement of the home.  They searched the home and determined that all occupants had escaped, while fire attack was underway.

Four adults and three children safely evacuated the home along with three pets – two dogs and one cat.  One of the dogs died at the scene of smoke inhalation.  It took about 40 minutes for firefighters to control the blaze.  They cleared the incident at 1:35am after ensuring that all hot spots had been extinguished.

Fire Investigators estimate the fire caused $15,000 in damage to the home.  They have also determined the cause of the fire to be due to an overheated electrical cord that was underneath a mattress and ignited it.

The American Red Cross was called in to assist the family with alternate housing arrangements.

Photos courtesy of Dick Harris/Portland Fire.

 Portland Fire & Rescue

 We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

 August 18, 2011

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