This morning at 6:28 am Portland Firefighters were called to a house fire at 3044 NE 32nd Place.  When the crew of Station 14 (Alberta Park) arrived, they found fire in the basement of the house.  Engine 14 began fighting the fire while firefighters from neighboring Truck 13 searched for victims and "ventilated the structure" to release smoke and flammable gases from the building.

The search revealed that there were no victims in the house.  The occupants, a husband and wife, were found outside uninjured.  The fire was quickly extinguished and firefighters began searching for hidden fire.

A fire investigator was called to the scene and determined that the fire was caused by an issue with the homes heating system.  The investigator has placed a preliminary estimate on damages at $60,000.  The house is uninhabitable.  However the occupants have stated that they will be able to stay with friends or family.

Contact info, for media use only:
Lt. Damon Simmons, Media Pager (503)940-6003