Attic fire damages Brentwood-Darlington residence

Find out what led up to this outer East Portland house fire …

A firefighter wrangles a hose line to provide water to the crew members inside, and outside, a burning house.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

A fire reported on Saturday evening, September 2, in a home at 7359 SE. Henderson Street, led to Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) firefighters racing to the scene at 9:14 p.m.

As PF&R Lents Station #11’s Engine Company rolled up, the lieutenant reported back to dispatchers seeing heavy smoke coming from the eaves and second-floor windows of the structure. While some crewmembers ran hose lines from a hydrant to the engine, others made sure no one was left inside in the burning house.

Other firefighters are on the back of this roof while one crew member straddles its ridge to fight the fire.

The crew riding PF&R Woodstock Station #25’s Ladder Truck arrived one minute after the engine. Soon, thereafter, a total of six rigs filled the street, and two Battalion Chiefs had arrived to assume control.

“This fire was totally contained to the converted half-story attic space, and was under control within five minutes of arrival,” PF&R Public Information Officer Rick Graves told East Portland News.

From above the burning attic, crews put out the fire.

Ladder Truck firefighters had cut a hole in the back side of the roof, and flopped the shingles forward, to allow trapped hot gasses and smoke to escape the attic as they accessed the fire.

“Notes from this incident mention that a resident had reported electrical issues present for a few days,” Graves said, adding that the investigation of this fire has not yet been completed

With the fire extinguished, some of the firefighters walk back to their rigs to start the cleanup and overhaul phase.

“Proper installation of smoke detectors provides critical moments to allow for escape,” Graves commented. “And, if there is a potential issue withan electrical system, have a professional evaluation made right away of the wiring, for safety purposes.”

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