2/18/11 @ 5:30 am

Portland Firefighters responded to reports of smoke and flames coming from a fourth floor apartment at 1417 SW 10th, located between SW Clay and SW Columbia, at 3:52 am. Reports indicate that a resident smelled smoke and pulled the local fire alarm upon exiting the smoke-filled hallway.

"An apartment manager told firefighters that a deaf woman resided on the second floor," said Lt. Justin de Ruyter. "We were able to wake the sleeping woman and assist her from her apartment. It's important for citizens to know their neighbors, identify special needs, and get this information to firefighters to assist with evacuation and rescue during a fire."

The key to delaying this fire's spread to the apartment building's interior hallway, and allow occupants critical time to evacuate, was the fact that the resident in the fire unit closed his apartment door upon escaping the fire. Portland Fire & Rescue encourages all residents to close the door to any fire room upon exiting and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Firefighters put out the flames in the affected unit at 4:04 am and began ventilation efforts in the building. It was confirmed that the fire was contained to the unit of origin, which was heavily damaged. There were 58 units in this apartment building and all residents evacuated safely. Residents on floors 1 – 3 of the building were able to return to their units at approximately 4:20am.

A Fire Investigator is currently on scene investigating the fire's cause. Damage is currently estimated at $30,000.