Portland Fire & Rescue
10/09/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Portland Fire responds the outbuilding fire in the Montavilla Neighborhood (Photo)
October 09, 2024 18:00
Portland Fire responds the outbuilding fire in the Montavilla Neighborhood
Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a possible structure fire in the Montavilla Neighborhood at just before 4:30 PM today. The notes from the dispatch center were simply "someone seeing something on fire". The closest arriving engine reported that there was a working fire evidenced by the smoke column or header in the air on approach. A garage or outbuilding on a lot was completely engulfed in fire that was impinging upon a 3-story apartment complex. This large amount of fire with a possibility of extending to the neighboring structure that was occupied with many individuals prompted the command officers to request a second alarm assignment to be certain there was going to be enough firefighters on the scene to evacuate and extinguish any fire that may jump the 20' gap between the outbuilding and the apartment complex.
Gaining access to the fire building was slowed by the cyclone fencing surrounding the boarded-up homes and garage on the lot. Rather than go through the lock or cut the chain, the crews addressed the hinges of the gate and were able to quickly gain access to the property. As this access occurred, the water supply was establishing by back stretching the hose across Glisan at NE 100th to the nearest fire hydrant which blocked traffic at peak rush hour traffic forcing cars to turn around or reroute themselves a few blocks.
The hose lines were stretched to the fire and quickly reduced and extinguished after the gates were opened. Prior to this, the large flame lengths were creating significant heat that was emanating in all directions. The nearby apartment complex had the vinyl siding melt off two large areas, but the fire did not extend into the structure. Crews evaluated all floors of the apartment complex along with the attic space for any possible presence of fire. In addition to the apartment complex, the closest residential structure on the property was also evaluated for any fire extension. There was no internal damage to any occupancies and no one from the apartment complex will be displaced.
The fire investigator is on scene working on determining a cause. There were no injuries reported.
Portland Fire would like to thank PPB and Portland Public Safety for their assistance in redirecting traffic to protect the fire hoses and allow members to safely work in the area.
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