Firefighters were dispatched (8:30 pm) to treat an employee of the Blue Hour restaurant (250 NW 13th ave.) for burns that he sustained while trying to put out a fire. A candle fueled by a broken bottle of alcohol started the fire, which eventually got hot enough to set off the sprinkler system.  Firefighters from  Station 3 ( Pearl District ) responded and treated the patient for 1st and 2nd degree burns to the arms and body.  The patient was then transported to Emanuel Hospital. There were no other injuries.

Firefighters remained on scene to rid the building of excess water and to help reset the sprinkler system.  Truck 1  (downtown) also responded along with a Chief Officer.

"Candles start more than 13,000 house fires in the U.S. a year", says Ron Rouse, a Portland Fire & Rescue spokesperson, " but they can be just as dangerous in a commercial setting."

Remember : Never leave candles unattended , place candles in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders, and place candles where they cannot tip over.

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