Posted: August 2nd, 2010 7:18 AM

**Update**  3:01
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.

**Update**  12:42
The residential fire this morning occurred at 6705 SW 15th Ave.  Information on the loss and cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
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Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a residential fire 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 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.

Firefighters on scene:
        4 Engines, 1 Truck, 2 Chiefs, 2 Investigators, 1 Rehab Rig
     Total of 28 firefighters on scene

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

Contact:  Kim Kosmas, PIO (503)940-6003


Contact Info: Contact:  Kim Kosmas, PIO (503)940-6003