**Update: Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Fatal House Fire in NE Portland (Photo)

December 03, 2015 10:10

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**Update: The cause of this house fire is accidental in nature. Portland Fire & Rescue's Arson Investigators have determined the fire started on the floor immediately outside the operating fireplace. Investigators believe combustibles were too close to the operating fireplace which started the fire.

There was one smoke alarm found on the main floor. Firefighters did not hear the alarm sounding as they entered the home. The residents who escaped the fire were in the basement and were not notified of the fire by the smoke alarm. The deceased 76 year old female was disabled and unable to escape the fire on her own.

Seconds count!! We have less than 3 minutes to escape a house fire. All homes should have working smoke alarms.

- Install a smoke alarm inside every bedroom/sleeping area, outside every sleeping area (hallway) and on every level of your home, including basements.

- Having a working smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire in half.

- More than 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms.

- Teach children what your smoke alarm sounds like and what to do if they hear it: get out and crawl low under smoke.

- Contact PF&R's smoke alarm hotline at 503-823-3752 for more information about how to get smoke alarms for your home.

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Portland Fire & Rescue reponded to a house fire where an elderly female was found deceased at 12325 NE Hassalo St. at 10:50 am. Crews were told when they arrived at the house that someone was still inside and they entered the front bedroom through the outside window. The crews located the victim, removed her from the smoke filled room and determined that she was already deceased.

"We're sad to report another person lost their life to a fire in their home before they could escape or we could rescue them. Our deepest condolences to their family and friends. Please be sure you have working smoke alarms in every sleeping area, on every level, and replace them every 10 years. If you need help obtaining or installing smoke alarms, please call our Smoke Alarm Hotline at 503-823-3752," stated Chief Erin Janssens.

One adult female and three young children escaped the house prior to the fire crews arrival. They were all transported to an area hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Updates will be sent out as they become available.

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