Fire traps victim in Centennial home

Learn why it was fortunate that firefighters responded fast to this outer East Portland blaze …

Firefighters find smoke belching out of upstairs window when they arrive at the house fire in the Centennial neighborhood. PF&R photo

Story and photo by David F. Ashton

A fire that broke out in a residence on the northern edge of Powell Butte on Sunday evening, March 19, sent Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crews to the Centennial neighborhood.

At 7:18 p.m., PF&R Engine Company and Ladder Truck crews raced south from SE Powell Boulevard along 151st Avenue. The fire was reported near the 15100 block of Gladstone Street near its intersection with Gladstone Drive.

An approaching rig reported back to dispatchers seeing a “header” of dark smoke rising from their destination.

“When they arrived, firefighters began searching the structure and extinguishing the fire,” reeported PF&R Public Information Officer Rick Graves.

Fire crews quickly set up their rigs and put out the blaze.

“One victim was located inside the structure, and was brought out of the house,” Graves continued. “The victim was conscious, and was able to walk out, but was suffering from issues related to smoke inhalation. The medical issues don’t appear to be life threatening.”

The flames were centered on the second floor, and were quickly extinguished. A fire investigator responded to determine the cause; but officially the cause of this blaze remains “under investigation”.

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