Firefighters douse early morning Lents house blaze

Take a look, and see crews working to put out a second-story fire in a Lents neighborhood home …

Firefighters find a fire burning in a second story bedroom of this Lents house. Dick Harris, PF&R photo

By David F. Ashton

Just before 6:00 p.m. on the morning of April 7, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) stations were called out to an outer East Portland house fire on SE 115^th Avenue, about a half block north of SE Harold Street.

As PF&R Lents Station Engine 11 rolled up to the large barn-styled two-story house, the crew reporting seeing thick black smoke issuing from several windows.

Firefighters from Mill Park Station’s Truck 7 and Engine 7 pulled up in the long driveway within moments.

After the fire is extinguished, fire crews stand by to open the roof in case “vertical ventilation” is required. Dick Harris, PF&R photo

“Fire crews began searching for the seat of the fire, while working to make sure that no one was trapped inside,” said PF&R Public Information Officer Lt. Damon Simmons.

“The fire was located on the second floor, and crews quickly knocked it down,” Simmons added. “No victims were found inside, and no injuries were associated with this fire.”

Although some media reported that this fire was thought to have been ignited by a “candle left burning on a bed”, Simmons said, “The cause of this fire remains undetermined. Total damages have been set at $47,500.”

Using powerful portable fans placed in downstairs doorways, firefighters clear smoke from the house. Dick Harris, PF&R photo

Volunteers with American Red Cross Cascades Region arrived by 7:00 a.m. They provided the family of four, two adults and two children, who were displaced by the fire, with lodging, clothing, food, comfort kits, and information about disaster mental health and health services.

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