Portland Fire's Technical Rescue Team was requested this evening by the Portland Police Bureau to assist in accessing two individuals who had climbed to a restricted area underneath the west end of the Burnside bridge. The call came in at 8:15pm and when crews arrived they found two individuals were stuck in a below grade water holding area. One individual was stuck on a small shelf with two dogs and a cat; the other had fallen into the water holding area but climbed out and awaited rescue. PF&R Tech Rescue specialists had to set-up a rescue system to lower a firefighter down to the first individual, place a rescue harness around his waist and then hoist him and the rescuer back up to safety. Fire crews were able to access the second individual and her pets with a ladder and bring them to a safe area. No injuries were reported on either individual or on the pets. Officers from the Portland Police Bureau are currently interviewing both subjects.

 

Contact Info: Lt. Rich Chatman PIO, media pgr: 503-940-6003