At 11:12 this morning Portland Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to a residential house fire at 32 NE Freemont. When crews arrived they found heavy fire from the front of the two story home. Neighbors reported seeing a resident jump from a 2nd story window and another exit from the front door. Engine 24(Overlook/Swan Island) and Squad 1(Old Town) sent crews inside the house with house lines to control the rapidly spreading fire.  Engine 13(Lloyd District) searched for additional victims while Truck13 placed ladders and cut much needed ventilation holes on the roof of the home. Crews were also challenged with containing the fire from spreading to neighboring homes that were just a few feet away. One of the residents was evaluated for smoke inhalation injuries but was cleared by PF&R medics.

Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the couch of the living room most likely due to smokers carelessness. The loss has been estimated at $200,000 to structure and contents.

PF&R's Fire Prevention Division would like to remind residents that smoking is the leading cause of preventable home fire deaths. About one out of four fire deaths are caused by smoking materials.
*Put out all cigarettes, cigars, or pipes before you leave the room.
*Never smoke in bed.
*Use deep ashtrays. Don't put ashtrays on the arms of sofas or chairs.
*Keep matches and lighters locked up, away from children. Teach children to tell you if they find a lighter or matches.
*If smokers have visited, check floors and seat cushions for butts and ashes that may have dropped.

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