Portland Fire & Rescue
08/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/19/2024 11:29
Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to a Commercial Fire in the NE Cully Neighborhood (Photo)
August 18, 2024 20:30
Portland Fire & Rescue crews battle a fire at 42nd Ave Fish & Chips. A responding crew reported that there was a visible "header" (smoke and fire) enroute to the scene, alerting all incoming resources that there is indeed an active fire. First arriving officer reported heavy fire showing from the backside of the 2-story building appearing to be an exterior fire that was moving interior. Additionally, it was reported that there was possibly a living space above the restaurant. The commanding officer immediately requested police response for traffic control, to shut down 42nd Ave. Crews immediately went into offensive fire attack mode and used specialized tools to force open the door and advance hose lines into the building. Shortly after crews made entry, the next incoming resources reported power lines had come down on one side of the structure, and the incident commander made an emergency safety announcement over the radio alerting all firefighters on scene to stay clear of the hazard. The incident commander then requested PGE be dispatched to the incident to cut all power to the building. While interior crews were working on extinguishing the fire, additional crews were assigned to search the building for any occupants. There were no occupants found.
Meanwhile, additional crews were assigned roof operations to cut ventilation holes. This task is instrumental for interior crews because it removes all the superheated gases over the fire area and enables visibility. This is a very coordinated effort that requires clear and concise communication, to not cause a bigger fire problem. Roof top crews faced challenges in cutting holes due to the building having had multiple remodels. The corrugated metal required lots of peeling away to expose the fire.
Approximately 15 minutes after the interior crews began their offensive attack on the fire, they reported that it was extinguished, and they were checking to see if it had extended to any other areas of the structure. No extensions were found at that time, but about 45 minutes later an interior crew reported feeling heat and were in search of locating it. Due to multiple remodels, there were several different areas within the building that made it challenging to search with hose lines and find the fire problem, but crews moved aggressively and soon located and extinguished the fire. No further fire problems arose, and crews transitioned into the final phase of firefighting operations, referred to as "overhaul." This process involves thoroughly combing through the entire structure, inside and out, assuring that all smoke and heat is completely removed and there is no possibility of a rekindle. In doing so, the incident commander reiterated to all working crews that preservation of the fire origin be left alone to not disturb any evidence of the cause of the fire. A fire investigator was dispatched to the scene, and the cause is undetermined at this time.
A rehab unit was requested by the incident commander, and upon their arrival they support all crews by refiling their self-contained breathing apparatus (air packs) and providing hydration and snacks for energy replacement. No reported injuries.
Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank our amazing partners at BOEC, Portland Police Bureau, and PGE for their help in safely bringing this incident to a close.
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