Two homes in trailer park damaged by cooking fire

See why this outer East Portland fire was challenging to fight …

Firefighters find cramped quarters as they drive to the back of this Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood manufactured home park to fight two homes ablaze.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

What started out as a small fire in a carport in a manufactured home park, soon turned into a “2-Alarm” conflagration at 3:09 p.m. in July 16.

The Engine Company of Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Powellhurst Station 29, located at SE 133^rd Avenue on Foster Road was the first crew to come the area, quickly followed by crews from Lents Station 11, and Woodstock Station 25.

Crews work to contain the blaze to two manufactured home homes.

Crews realized this fire was in the back corner of a closely-spaced manufactured home development; the only direct access was a narrow driveway. Strong gusts of wind whipped up the flames.

“The fire grew and became more heavily involved, extending to the second residence,” PF&R spokesperson Lieutenant Tommy Schroeder told East Portland News.

With intense heat and flying embers, driven by wind coming off the burning structures, firefighters spray down houses and yards behind the burning buildings.

“Due to the amount of fire, a second alarm was called to bring additional resources to assist,” Schroeder informed, adding that “mutual aid” was provided by fire companies in Clackamas County and Gresham.

Thanks to the efforts of many fire stations, this manufactured house was charred, but didn’t burn down.

To the east of the burning houses, Gresham Fire & Rescue firefighters set up “fire protection” water lines, and began spraying down houses backing up to the development where the manufactured homes were ablaze.

“The fire was extinguished shortly thereafter; PF&R Fire Investigators responded to assist with determining fire cause,” Schroeder said.

Here’s the damage to the residence where the fire started.

This fire was started by a cooking fire under a carport, later reported Schroeder – and extended to the carport, and then to the attached residence.

There were no injuries on this incident; damage was estimated at $130,000.

Comments are closed.