Posted at 11:05 pm

At 5:43 pm this evening Portland fire and Rescue responded to reports of something suspicious seen at the top and exterior of the Bank of America building at 121 SW Morrison. Fire Crews from Portland's Old Town fire station 1 arrived on scene at 5:46 pm and used binoculars to get a closer look at the exterior lighting on the 18th floor of the building.

As firefighters ascended the building to continue their investigation they began to smell smoke on the 16th floor and called for additional fire crews to respond. Once crews reached the roof they looked over the edge of the southeast corner and found flames coming from approximately 50 feet of the fixed lighting on the exterior of the building. Firefighters acted quickly and were able to put out the flames using a fire extinguisher. Before removing the lights to check if the fire had extended into the building, crews were placed on the sidewalk directly below, at SW 1st and Morrison, to make sure no people were walking by in case of any falling debris.

The fire was brought under control at 6:07 pm. A fire investigator was dispatched to the fire scene to determine the cause of the fire and damage estimates. Updates on the cause and damages will be given as they become available.

With the fire being on the exterior of the building and on the 18th floor, falling debris was a concern. Portland Fire and Rescue wants to remind citizens that, in order to keep safe, it is important to stay clear of fire scenes, behind fire line tape and out of the smoke.