NEWS RELEASE 8/19/13: Portland Fire & Rescue on Scene of Wildland Fire on Government Island
***Update***
The wildland fire on Government Island was brought under control at 5:46 pm and is now in the mop-up phase. All fire crews remain on scene to extinguish ground level fire including spot fires. Crews are closely monitoring the embers released by this fire so additional fires don't ignite. Reignition is a concern due to the high temperatures and low humidity. There were no injuries reported at this fire. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway on the island and further information will be released as soon as it is available.
In addition to this wildland fire, at 2:07 pm Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a residential fire at 3202 NE 81st Ave. Many fire crews from Northeast Portland were battling the fire on Government Island at the time so fire stations from neighboring parts of the city responded to extinguish the house fire.
"Today was a busy day in Portland. Our fire crews did a great job responding to multiple larger scale incidents while maintaining quick response to other emergencies in the city." Said Portland Fire & Rescue PIO Rich Chatman.
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At 2:12 pm Portland Fire & Rescue called for a second alarm response to the wildland fire on Government Island, which brought additional resources to the scene. The fire was moving southward on the island and burning in the tree canopy. Firefighters were shuttled over to the island to dig a fire line and stretch wildland hose lines to extinguish the fast moving fire. At 3:09 pm a third alarm was called. There are roughly 80 firefighters working to extinguish the fire, which has increased to roughly 20 acres.
Traffic is being affected near the fire on Marine Dr. and Interstate 205. Air travel at Portland International Airport has not been affected. Additional updates will be given as they become available.
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At 1:20pm Portland Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to what 911 callers described as "a large field of grass on fire." Additional calls reported that area was growing and possibly extending to bushes and trees in the area. PF&R boats are being used to transport firefighters and equipment to the island. PIO is enroute. The 42nd St. boat ramp parking lot will be the media staging area. Please keep vehicles clear of obstructing fire apparatus that are there or will be arriving.
In addition to this wildland fire, at 2:07 pm Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a residential fire at 3202 NE 81st Ave. Many fire crews from Northeast Portland were battling the fire on Government Island at the time so fire stations from neighboring parts of the city responded to extinguish the house fire.
"Today was a busy day in Portland. Our fire crews did a great job responding to multiple larger scale incidents while maintaining quick response to other emergencies in the city." Said Portland Fire & Rescue PIO Rich Chatman.
***
At 2:12 pm Portland Fire & Rescue called for a second alarm response to the wildland fire on Government Island, which brought additional resources to the scene. The fire was moving southward on the island and burning in the tree canopy. Firefighters were shuttled over to the island to dig a fire line and stretch wildland hose lines to extinguish the fast moving fire. At 3:09 pm a third alarm was called. There are roughly 80 firefighters working to extinguish the fire, which has increased to roughly 20 acres.
Traffic is being affected near the fire on Marine Dr. and Interstate 205. Air travel at Portland International Airport has not been affected. Additional updates will be given as they become available.
***
At 1:20pm Portland Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to what 911 callers described as "a large field of grass on fire." Additional calls reported that area was growing and possibly extending to bushes and trees in the area. PF&R boats are being used to transport firefighters and equipment to the island. PIO is enroute. The 42nd St. boat ramp parking lot will be the media staging area. Please keep vehicles clear of obstructing fire apparatus that are there or will be arriving.
Contact Info:
Lt. Rich Chatman PIO, media pgr. 503-940-6003
Lt. Rich Chatman PIO, media pgr. 503-940-6003