October 9, 2011

Updated 11:56 AM

Investigators have determined that there were no working smoke detectors in the house and that the fire victim tried to fight the fire after placing a rag over his nose and mouth to filter smoke.

Investigators place the value of this home and contents at $108,760 with a loss of $33,000.

Portland Fire & Rescue asks residents to check and maintain smoke detectors.

-Smoke Detectors should be placed in every sleeping room and on every floor of your home.

Portland Fire & Rescue asks residents to think twice before attempting to fight even small fires.

-The smoke produced by modern materials is far more toxic.

-Indoor fires deplete oxygen in a space making filter systems ineffective (firefighters wear air tanks).

Never fight a fire:

-If the fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started

-If you can't fight the fire with your back to an escape exit

-If the fire can block your only escape

-If you don't have adequate fire-fighting equipment

A fire will double in size every 30-60 seconds so always call 911 before trying to fight a fire.

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October 9, 2011

6:43 AM

This morning at 3:48 am firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire at 8001 N Emerald Ave. Firefighters from Station 26 (5247 N. Lombard St.) arrived and found flames in the finished attic of this 1 story home. Firefighters immediately began fighting the fire and searching for occupants.

An adult male was found on the second floor and pulled from the house by firefighters, however he is deceased. The homes other occupant an adult female was able to escape the fire and won't require medical treatment. The Red Cross will be providing shelter for her and the family's dog.

The Medical Examiner's Office will be working to determine a cause of death for the male fire victim. The victim's identity won't be released until it's confirmed by the Medical Examiner's Office. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of this fire and damage estimates. This press release will be updated with this information as it becomes available.

Portland Fire & Rescue Response
21 Firefighters
3 Chief Officers
3 Fire Investigators

 Portland Fire & Rescue

 We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

 October 9, 2011

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