Today at 12:10pm Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a report of a fire at 4320 SE 136th Ave. The crew from Engine 29 (Powellhurst Fire Station) arrived at 12:14pm, discovered it was a church, and upgraded the incident to a commercial fire.

Fire could be seen coming from the back of the structure in a covered patio area attached to the building. Fire crews extinguished the fire in the patio while simultaneously searching the smoke-filled building for occupants. One fire crew was placed on the roof to assist in the ventilation of the attic space.

No injuries were reported on this fire although one woman was treated for smoke inhalation on scene. She was not transported to the hospital. The fire was brought under control at 12:35pm. Fire crews remained on scene mopping up and removing smoke from the building.

A Portland fire investigator determined that the cause of this fire was due to the malfunction of the ignition switch on a propane stove.

The structure value is estimated at $301,000.
Damage to the structure is estimated at $30,000.
Damage to the contents is estimated at $5,000.

Photos are courtesy of Portland Fire & Rescue Photographer Dick Harris.

Contact info, for media use only:
Public Information Officer AJ Schaffer, Media Pager (503) 940-6003.