NEWS RELEASE 7/15/13: Firefighter Injured During Busy Day For PF&R
At 12:33pm a house fire was reported at 1919 NE 138th pl. Callers reported that there was fire and smoke coming from an attached garage. When crews arrived, they found a fully involved garage fire and two boats in the driveway also fully involved. Downed power lines also created issues for crews as they fell across and energized a metal fence around the property. PGE responded within 20 minutes and assisted crews by shutting down power to the fallen lines. The fire extended from the garage to the house but crews were able to prevent it from destroying the home. Fire investigators say that a welding accident in the garage may have been the cause and damages were aprox. $85,000. Occupants were home but evacuated and no injuries were reported.
While crews were still working to control this NE Portland fire a second house fire was dispatched.
At 1:30pm crews were dispatched to a house fire at 3226 SW Dolph Ct. Reports were that a fire on the deck of a home was spreading to the attic. When crews arrived they found that fire had extended into the home. Crews took hose lines into the home and pulled ceiling down in the living room so that they could access the attic space. While attempting this, one firefighter was struck on the helmet with heavy ceiling material and was shocked by 240volt power lines that came down from the attic space. The firefighter was transported to Emanuel hospital. He has last been reported as conscious and alert but doctors are keeping him overnight for observation. Firefighters were able to control the attic fire and begin the "salvage and investigation" phase. Fire investigators are reporting that oily rags on a wooden table is most likely the cause of the fire, damages are set at $40,000. No other injuries were reported and the residents were not home at the time of the fire.
Contact Info:
Lt. Rich Chatman PIO, Media pgr. 503-940-6003