Mill Park fire chars residence

See how firefighters’ efforts kept this outer East Portland house fire from becoming a total loss …

Firefighting crews arrive at this home in the Mill Park neighborhood, moments after a fire breaks out in a second story bedroom.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

When a home in the Mill Park neighborhood caught fire, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) units were dispatched at 8:00 p.m. on December 16.

Within three minutes, both the PF&R Mill Park Station 7 Engine and its Ladder Truck companies had arrived – and were reporting fire and smoke from the second story of a house at 11525 SE Madison Street.

After the initial blaze is extinguished, firefighters head back inside to begin the “overhaul” – the process of removing charred material, and searching for any remaining embers.

Soon equipment from three additional stations arrived. Some firefighters hooked up water supply lines and pulled hoses, while others searched through the burning house for victims.

At first, there was concern among the on-scene Battalion Chiefs, because the residents could not be located.

A firefighter prepares a machine that dispenses “Class A Foam” – a surfactant that penetrates materials to quench embers.

At 8:17 p.m., an unidentified PF&R official said, “Firefighters have the fire under control, and have confirmed everyone made it out safely; one adult occupant is being evaluated for medical need.”

It appeared that no one was transported for medical care; there’s no word from PF&R regarding the cause of the fire. Red Cross volunteers reported to the scene to help the victims by providing comfort items and shelter for the night.

Firefighters’ flashlights illuminate the second story bedroom, where the fire is believed to have started.

“Our SE PDX fire crews worked fast to prevent a total loss on this home,” a PF&R official later wrote. “You’re in good hands Portland!”

Comments are closed.