News Release from: Portland Fire & Rescue
SE PORTLAND 2 ALARM APARTMENT FIRE
Posted: March 20th, 2010 6:41 AM

At 0248, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to an apartment fire at the Waverly Surf Apartments on SE Linn St.  The apartments are individually numbered and the report was from 758 SE Linn St.  At 0255, the first arriving engine reported heavy fire in the exterior stairway of the 2 story apartments, with possibly 4 units involved.  They made a quick knock down of the fire in the stairway, but the fire had extended to the attic area above.  A 2ND Alarm was called for at 0258. The fire was quickly brought under control and a recall of all 2ND alarm companies came in at 0326.  The total number of Firefighters on scene was 60. Portland sent 7 Engines, 4 Trucks, 1 Heavy Rescue Squad, 3 Chiefs, 1 Fire Investigator, 1 Rehab Unit, and 1 PIO to the scene.  Mutual Aid was requested from Clackamas Fire Dist #1; which sent 1 Engine and 1 Chief.  Crews remained on scene until 0600; with the Fire Investigator remaining to finish interviews with occupants and the management company.

No one was injured as a result of the fire.  All residents escaped prior to the arrival of fire companies.  Red Cross is on scene assisting displaced residents at this time.

Smoke Detectors in the apartments were working, but due to the initial location of the fire, in the exterior stairway, none were activated until after the residents had escaped.  A female resident said her dog was barking and had come to her bed.  She credits her dog with waking her and allowing her escaping the flames.  She was able to exit down the stairway as the fire grew in intensity.  Her dog at that point was hiding under the bed.  The dog was rescued later by one of the fire crews.  The residents in the lower unit exited out the back door of their apartment. 

No Building/Content value and damage estimates at this time.  The 4 units did receive some smoke and water damage.  The resident that escaped down the stairway had closed her door as she exited. This stopped the fire from extending into her apartment and allowing her dog to be rescued.  She did not try to return to get her dog.  Remember once you are out - stay out! Do not re-enter a burning structure.

The fire cause in still under investigation.

Safety Note: PF&R recommends you have a Home escape plan (with at least 2 ways out), discuss it with your family, and practice it.  Since this fire blocked the main exit way for the residents; some had to exit via their secondary exits.