February 22, 2011

5:44 AM

UPDATE: The fire has been classified as accidental caused by a malfunctioning flue in the wood burning fireplace. Damage has been estimated at $15,000.00

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Portland Fire & Rescue responded to an apartment fire at 6902 N Richmond Avenue.

Firefighters were dispatched to report of smoke inside an apartment unit at 04:13 this morning.
Upon arrival, first-in crews encountered smoke coming from the eaves of a two story fourplex. Because this fire occurred during the early morning a crew was immediately assigned to do a search for and evacuation of occupants while other crews located the fire.

Firefighters assigned to fire attack discovered paint bubbling off the walls and began pulling drywall off of the walls and ceilings in an effort to locate the fire. Crews working on the roof encountered fire burning through the roof and areas weakened by the fire. Fire crews had the occupants evacuated and fire knocked down within 11 minutes of their arrival.

Red Cross is assisting 1 adult male, 1 adult female, 2 cats and a dog who were displaced by the fire.

An investigator is currently on-scene working to determine a fire cause and damage estimates.

QUICK FACTS
Dispatched: 0413 hrs
Arrived:    0417 hrs
Knockdown:  0430 hrs
Recalled:   0445 hrs

RESPONSE STATISTICS
4 Engines
2 Trucks
2 Chief Officers
1 Investigator
27 Total Personnel