Posted at 7:28 pm

Portland firefighters responded to reports of a fire at 7736 SE 35th Avenue, between SE Rex St. and SE Lambert St., at 6:11 pm.  A passerby and neighbors reported smoke and flames shooting several feet into the air from the attic and also fire from the windows of the 1  1/2 story residential structure.  Construction signs outside the home, and information received from neighbors, alerted firefighters that this home was unoccupied and under renovation. 

Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 20 arrived first on scene just four minutes after the fire was dispatched at 6:15 pm.  Firefighters found active fire in the attic of the home and breezeway leading to the garage.  After pulling multiple hose lines and venting the attic, firefighters achieved knock down of the fire.  Firefighters will likely remain on scene for several hours performing overhaul activities as a result of this extensive fire.
 
Firefighters confirmed there were no occupants in the home at the time of the fire and that construction crews working at the site left at approximately 5:30 pm. The fire was brought under control at 6:40 pm. Portland firefighters were assisted by firefighters Clackamas County Fire District in extinguishing this fire.  A Fire Investigator is currently at the scene.  The cause remains under investigation and damage is currently estimated at $40,000.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens that a fire can double in size every two minutes.  Therefore, it is imperative that citizens report any suspected fire immediately by calling 9-1-1.