The results could have been tragic in this outer East Portland house fire, officials say …
Firefighters rush to extinguish a house aflame, in the Montavilla neighborhood.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The alarm went out at 2:28 a.m. on January 13, bringing Portland Fire & Rescue (PR&R) crews to a rental house on fire at 8923 SE Stephens Street.
When fire crews arrived, they radioed back to Dispatch seeing flames and smoke rising from the structure.
“Fire crews immediately verified that everyone had gotten out of the house, and simultaneously began fighting the fire,” reported PF&R Public Information Officer Lt. Rich Chatman.
Fire rigs fill the neighborhood street as crews fight the fire.
“A resident got out of the house at the time of the fire, and was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries; no other injuries were reported,” Chatman said.
Firefighters brought the fire under control 2:48 a.m. that morning, but worked for another hour to make sure all embers were extinguished and charred materials had been removed from the house.
These firefighters take a break before heading back inside the charred home to begin removing burned materials.
“PF&R Fire Investigators have determined the fire started in the kitchen area of the home, but cause of the fire is still under investigation,” Chatman informed, adding that estimated damages are set at $200,000.
“Once a fire alarm sounds, you have little time to escape a burning building; make sure you have an escape plan,” advised Chatman.
© 2018 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™