Just before 11:00 am this morning, firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) were called to a field fire on Germantown Road near Kaiser Road. TVF&R Engine 68 found fire quickly spreading through a wheat field adjacent to several homes and brought the fire under control within 30 minutes. The damage was limited to approximately four acres. The incident brought ten total fire apparatus to the scene, including three water tenders. TVF&R was assisted by firefighters from Washington County Fire District No. 2 and Portland Fire & Rescue Station 22 (St. Johns) and 27 (Forest Park/Heights).

A TVF&R fire investigator determined that most probable cause of the fire was a spark generated by a road grader scraping Germantown Road near the field.

HELPING OTHER FIRE AGENCIES THROUGH MUTUAL AID

When fire agencies provide emergency response and protection support to one another such as the situation described above, it is called “Mutual Aid.” Portland Fire & Rescue currently participates in mutual aid agreements with all fire agencies bordering the City of Portland including the Port of Portland Fire Department, Vancouver Fire & Rescue, TVF&R, Clackamas County Fire District #1, Lake Oswego Fire Department, and Gresham Fire & Emergency Services. The goal of mutual aid is to lend or receive fire protection and emergency medical services assistance across jurisdictional boundaries.

HOW DOES MUTUAL AID WORK?

The City of Portland Bureau of Emergency Services (BOEC) receives a request by a neighboring fire jurisdiction asking for mutual aid assistance. Portland firefighters are then contacted through normal dispatch procedures to respond to the structure fire or other significant event (e.g. hazardous materials, confined space, dive rescue) outside the City of Portland. When PF&R needs assistance, the same process is used in reverse.

We trust and rely on the fact that if we do have a large scale incident here in the City of Portland, other surrounding agencies will provide further resources if called upon. In addition, Fire personnel here at PF&R are committed to supporting and assisting other fire agencies that surround the City of Portland when in need.

August 1, 2012

8:25 PM

Station 21 responded to an alarm at the Ritzdorf Apartments (1225 SE Belmont) shortly after 6 pm and after checking the apartment in question quickly called for more resources. The fire attack crew could hear screaming coming from inside and could see smoke seeping from under the door. Station 1 (Downtown), Station 13 (Lloyd Center) and Engine 9 (Hawthorne) responded accordingly. After kicking in the door and doing a search of the residence firefighters rescued a cat (named "Dude"). No one else was home at the time of the incident.

Dude was taken outside and given oxygen. He was returned to his owner shortly thereafter in good condition. The resident had taken clothes from the dryer and placed them on the couch. There were oily rags on the couch as well thereby creating a "spontaneous combustion". The units were equipped with automatic sprinklers which contained the fire to the couch. Typically temperatures reach between 150 - 225 degrees Fahrenheit to activate the sprinkler heads. Station 1 stayed on scene to vacuum excess water and reset the sprinkler and alarm systems.

Red Cross was called to assist the tenant and the amount of damage is still be assessed.

August 2, 2012

11:28 AM

At 9:21 am, firefighters responded to a commercial fire at a recycling plant in North Portland.
Upon arrival at 11535 N. Force Avenue (American Recyclers), firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 17 (Hayden Island) and Station 24 (Overlook/Swan Island) quickly extinguished the fire. The fire was determined to be under control at 9:40 am.

This fire was especially dangerous for firefighters due to the presence of fuels and acetylene tanks in the facility. The facility processes and mixes fuels for the purpose of recycling. There were no injuries associated with this fire.

Fire investigators are on scene working to determine the fire's cause and a damage estimate.

Response Information:
* 5 engines
* 2 ladder trucks
* 2 fire investigators
* 2 battalion chiefs
* 32 firefighters

August 2, 2012

5:04 PM

At 2:34 pm, Portland firefighters responded to an apartment fire at 5713 North Fessenden Street. Portland Fire Station 22 (St. Johns) arrived on scene with an engine and ladder truck at the Clarendon Terrace Apartments at 2:38 pm to find heavy smoke pouring from the second floor of two apartment units.

Fire crews launched an aggressive fire attack to keep the fire from spreading to surrounding apartment units. All occupants were able to escape safely and no civilians or firefighters sustained any injuries. The fire was brought under control at 2:53 pm.

Fire investigators on scene have determined that gasoline stored on the back porch of one of the units accounted for the rapid spread of this fire. Smoking materials were improperly discarded and ignited combustible debris on the porch, which spread to the stored gasoline and contributed to the fast-moving blaze. Damages are estimated at $100,000.

The apartments below the fire units sustained water damage. The Red Cross is assisting 15 to 20 individuals who were displaced by the fire.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens to always dispose of smoking materials, or any other ashes, in a metal container with a secure lid.

Response Information:

* 4 engines
* 2 ladder trucks
* 2 fire investigators
* 2 battalion chiefs
* 28 firefighters

August 2, 2012

8:48 PM

At 6:57 pm Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a fire at 721 SE 139th ave. Truck 7 arrived minutes later to "heavy smoke" coming from several windows in the house. The Truck crew forced the doors to gain entry and found 13 animals in the house. One of the pets required treatment by Fire Medics. Fire crews worked simultaneously in extinguishing the fire and ventilating the residence and had the fire contained quickly.

Engine 31(Rockwood), Engine 30 (Gateway) and Engine 29 (Gilbert) pulled hose lines to protect the fire attack crews as well as the neighboring homes.

"We're just glad that we were only minutes away," said Lieutenant Neil Martin, a 17 year veteran, " the pets were very afraid by all of the commotion."

No one was home at the time of the fire and the cause is still under investigation.