This morning at 6:28 am Portland Firefighters were called to a house fire at 3044 NE 32nd Place.  When the crew of Station 14 (Alberta Park) arrived, they found fire in the basement of the house.  Engine 14 began fighting the fire while firefighters from neighboring Truck 13 searched for victims and "ventilated the structure" to release smoke and flammable gases from the building.

The search revealed that there were no victims in the house.  The occupants, a husband and wife, were found outside uninjured.  The fire was quickly extinguished and firefighters began searching for hidden fire. 

A fire investigator was called to the scene and determined that the fire was caused by an issue with the homes heating system.  The investigator has placed a preliminary estimate on damages at $60,000.  The house is uninhabitable.  However the occupants have stated that they will be able to stay with friends or family.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds you to have working smoke alarms in your home.
Smoke alarms should be placed on each level of the home and in all sleeping areas.

On December 8th Santa will be at the Historic Belmont Firehouse to take pictures with you and your family!

When-

December 8th, 2012 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm

Where-

Historic Belmont Firehouse, 900 SE 35th (35^th & Belmont)

Cost-

Pictures are $5 with proceeds going to the Jeff Morris Fire & Life Safety Foundation.

Update-  Due to yesterdays tragic events at Clackamas Town Center, this event has been cancelled.  You can still find the resources below online or by phone.  Have a safe holiday season!

On Wednesday, December 12, 2012, a home in North Portland will open its doors to the media to provide a visual and interactive "one-stop shopping" experience demonstrating the top holiday hazards and how to avoid them.

Organized and sponsored by local injury prevention experts and public safety personnel; the media will be invited to attend and watch demonstrations on common home holiday hazards. Experts will also be available to provide holiday safety advice. Details are below.

WHEN:    

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012

9:00 am to 12:30 pm

WHERE:  

2224 North Willamette, Portland OR 97217

DEMONSTRATIONS AVAILABLE:

• Wheeled Winter Sports – Trauma Nurses Talk Tough (TNTT)-Simone Carter
• Toy Safety – Tom Sargent Safety Store-Marianne Bridwell-Chapman
• Winter Driving – Oregon Department of Transportation-Kristie Gladhill
• Cooking Fires –Portland Fire & Rescue-Damon Simmons
• Fall Prevention – American Medical Response (AMR) and the Metro Area Safe Kids Coalition (safekids.org)-Lucie Drum
• Candle Fires – Sandy Fire District-Alice Bush
• Christmas Tree Safety –Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue-Tim Nokes
• Burn Prevention – Legacy Oregon Burn Center-Curtis Ryun
• Poison Prevention – Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon Poison Center-Lisbeth Ward-Fowler

On December 18th 2012 Portland Fire & Rescue celebrated the donation of an antique American LaFrance Pumper.  The Engine was originally purchased new by PF&R in 1918 and served at Station 19 (Mt.Tabor).

The Engine was used for many years, but was retired in the early 1950's and acquired at auction by Don Letson for approximately $295 in 1952.

The Letson family maintained the pumper for over 60 years and worked to restore it to its original condition.  Now the old engine has come home.

Images Courtesy of Something Blue Photography

At 10:06 pm on Christmas Eve firefighters from Portland Fire & Rescue were called to an apartment fire at 15904 E. Burnside. Firefighters arrived and found fire in two apartments (one was directly above the other). The fire was difficult to extinguish because it was burning in the walls and had extended into the attic.

Firefighters determined that the occupants of both apartments had gotten out safely. The fire was extinguished, however due to the damage to the apartments the residents will be displaced. The American Red Cross will be assisting the residents with shelter. Three adults and one child lived in one apartment, while the other was home to two adults and one infant. Fortunately most of the residents belongings were saved as the majority of damage was to the structure.

Fire investigators were called to the scene and determined that the fire was caused by improper wiring. Investigators estimate damages at $60,000. This was a single alarm fire.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds residents to ensure that all wiring is installed by a licensed electrician and properly inspected.