Video courtesy of KATU Channel 2 News

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Update 3:01 pm

Investigators have concluded that the cause of the fire is undetermined. They are unable to pinpoint the area of origin, yet it was suspected to be an electrical failure. There were signs of arcing and the breaker panel in the RV was significantly damaged by the fire. Further updates will be posted if the cause is determined.

Home is valued at $750,000. Loss is approximately $350,000.

Contents valued at $500,000. Loss of contents are unknown at this time.

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August 2, 2010

7:21 am

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a residential fire at 6705 SW 15th Avenue at 3:35 this morning.  When crews arrived on scene they noted that there was heavy fire on the back side of the house.  Upon investigation, they discovered that there was an RV parked on the back side of the house that was fully involved and that the fire had extended to the house.  

Interior crews made access through the front door and found that their fire attack was severely hampered by the amount of storage in the home.  The owner uses the vacant home as storage for his business.  The equipment, etc., was stored 3-4 feet high and made access for the firefighters very difficult.  The amount of storage significantly fueled the fire, which made it more work for crews to contain the fire.  The bulk of the fire was knocked down approximately 15 minutes after firefighters arrived on scene.

Investigators are on scene working to determine the cause of the fire and the losses.  Updates will be posted as soon as they are received.

Response Information:

• 4 Engines
• 1 Truck
• 2 Chiefs
• 2 Investigators
• 1 Rehab Rig
• 28 total firefighters

Currently the intersection at SW Vermont and Bertha Blvd is closed and will open in approximately 15 minutes.

  Portland Fire & Rescue We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  August 2, 2010