At 8:20 this morning dispatchers received report of fire in a garage extending into a house at 5114 NE 109 Avenue.

The 9-1-1 call came from the resident who had gone back into the smoke to search for her dogs. An ambulance was immediately added to the response as a precautionary measure. The two occupants were outside when fire crews arrived and were evaluated for smoke inhalation but were not transported.

An engine and truck from Parkrose Station 2 were first to arrive and reported smoke and flames coming from the back of the house. A quick search of the house found three dogs. Two of the dogs were successfully resuscitated using donated specialized pet rescue equipment from a local veterinary clinic. A third dog died at the scene is and is in the custody of the owners.

Complicating this incident were overhead electrical lines that were down over the top of cars in the driveway. In addition to the power line hazard, water pipes were energized by power lines that were compromised, making it difficult to shut off the municipal water supply to the home.

"The quick initial response contributed to the overall successful outcome of this incident" said battalion chief Rich Stenhouse.
Portland Fire & Rescue has fire stations strategically located throughout the city to maximize efficiency and response times. The fire was knocked down within ten minutes.

PF&R Investigators are on-scene working, fire cause and damage estimates will be released as they become available.
(4) Engines, (1) Truck, (2) Chief Officers, (1) Investigator and a PIO responded to this incident for a total of (23) personnel.

PF&R reminds its citizens that re-entering a structure that is charged with smoke and fire can have dangerous or even fatal results. Call 9-1-1 from a safe location, and be ready to give arriving fire crews any information that can aid in search and rescue efforts.


Photos courtesy of PF&R Photographer Dick Harris

Contact info, for media use only:
PIO / Firefighter Tommy Schroeder
Media Pager: (503) 940-6003