At 4:11 this afternoon Portland Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to a residential fire at 603 SE 48th Ave. The fire was discovered and called in by a neighbor who was alerted by broken glass and saw smoke escaping a broken window. Engine 9(Hawthorne) was the first engine company to arrive and found fire and smoke on the first floor of the home. Fire and Rescue crews used hose lines to extinguish the fire on the first floor when they discovered they also had fire on the second floor above them. Engine 19 (Mt. Tabor) arrived and assisted with firefighting efforts. Engine 25(Woodstock) discovered an unconscious dog in the home while conducting search and rescue efforts. Members from Engine 1(Old Town) attempted to resuscitate the homeowners pet with CPR procedures specific to canines but unfortunately the dog and two other cats were pronounced dead on the scene.

Fire Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be faulty electrical wiring. Damages were estimated at $150,000 to home and contents.

Portland Fire and Rescue would like residents to know that our Firefighters are trained in rescue procedures specific to pets. We will make every reasonable effort to rescue household pets as we realize they are an important member of our communities households.

Contact info, for media use only:
Lt. Rich Chatman
Public Information Officer
Portland Fire & Rescue
Media Pager: 503-940-6003