Pet perishes in house fire

See why the location of this Mill Park home may have complicated the fighting of this blaze for firefighters …

Firefighters with PF&R Engine 11 and Engine 13 run hose lines down a long alley, through a stand of trees, and over to the house on fire. Dick Harris, PF&R photo

By David F. Ashton
Although Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Investigators said they suspect what caused a fire, located two houses deep on a flag lot at 2340 SE 113th Avenue, they have listed the origin of the April 27 blaze as “inclusive”.

At 8:30 a.m., firefighters rolled to the scene of the housefire, a block north of NE Division Street. Crews from PF&R’s Mill Park Station 7 truck and engine arrived first at the fire.

Firefighters spray water into the attic space of the house. Dick Harris, PF&R photo

“Crews reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the front of the home,” said PF&R Public Information Officer Ron Rouse.

Firefighters from three engines and two trucks simultaneously attacked the fire and searched the structure.

From inside and on the roof, crews attack the fire. Dick Harris, PF&R photo

“The occupants were out front, one of whom was treated for smoke inhalation but was not transported to a hospital,” Rouse reported.

Family members told crew members their three cats were missing

Firefighters found one of the cats. “They used a special pet resuscitator, carried in the Battalion Chiefs vehicle,” Rouse said. “But attempts to revive the cat were unsuccessful.” The other two cats were later found in the house deceased.

Using a fire axe, firefighters chop away burned eves to expose remaining hot embers inside the eaves space. Dick Harris, PF&R photo

Members of the Trauma Intervention Program were called out were called out to assist the family.

Fire Investigators placed the content and structure combined loss estimate at $120,000.

On our front page: It’s another Dick Harris, PF&R photo!

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