Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire (5116 SE Knight) at 3:34 this morning. Engines 11, 20, 9, and 19 were on the initial response along with Truck 25. The house was quickly filling up with smoke when they arrived and both occupants were outside. One of the occupants was treated for minor injuries and was not transported. The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical and damage was estimated at $5,000. There were no other injuries.

Later (8:25 am), fire crews were dispatched to another house fire (9005 N. Oswego Ave.). Station 22 (St. Johns), which has a fire engine and a truck, arrived to a "fully involved house", said Fire Lieutenant Stew White. Firefighters decided to make a transitional attack.... fighting the fire from the outside initially, and then going into the structure to put out the remaining hot spots. Engine 26 (Portsmouth), Engine 8 (Kenton) and Engine 24 (Swan Island) were also on the initial response. Truck 8 and Station 10(Burlingame) were also dispatched to assist with firefighter efforts.

All occupants were accounted for, including the family pets.... a cat and a dog. "Whenever there is that much fire.. ", says Firefighter Kelly Ekhoff, "our first thought is making sure everyone is out of the house".

Fire investigators are on scene to determine the cause of this fire and assess a damage estimate. No one was injured at this incident. Fire photos are from the Oswego fire and are courtesy of Greg Muhr (PF&R).

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