Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2013-01/549/60810/photo.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2013-01/549/60810/photo_%283%29.JPG

*********** updated with cause and damage estimate ***************

This fire was caused by a candle that was left unattended. Damages were estimated at $125,000 to the building and $25,000 to the contents of the unit.

*On average, 42 home candle fires are reported every day
*One-half of home candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6 am
*Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires
*Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 36% of the associated deaths
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Fire crews were dispatched to an apartment fire at 9:52AM (7017 NE 27Th ave). Station 14 (Vernon) arrived to the Dekum Court Apartments and found that a second floor unit was quickly filling up with black smoke. Firefighters made entry and extinguished the fire which started in a closet located in a hallway. Station 8 (Kenton), Station 28 (Rose City) and Station 2 (Parkrose) also responded and assisted with evacuation, obtaining a water supply, and laddering the roof for ventilation.

No one was home at the time of the incident and there were no injuries. Smoke alarms alerted a neighbor and she quickly called 911. "We could hear the alarms way before we could smell anything burning." said the neighbor.

Fire investigators are on scene to determine a cause and a damage estimate. Updates will be made available as they are received. Portland Fire & Rescue would like to remind all that working smoke alarms save lives.

Contact info, for media use only:
Ron Rouse P.I.O.
Portland Fire & Rescue
Media Pager 503 940 6003