One dies in Powellhurst-Gilbert residential fire

Here’s what’s known about a fatal early-morning blaze on Sunday …

The crew of PF&R Lents Station 11’s Engine Company pulls hose lines to fight the fire, while other firefighters search for potential victims inside a burning Powellhurst-Gilbert residence.

By David F. Ashton

Early Sunday morning, June 15, a Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crew was dispatched at 4:17 a.m. to a “Medical Service” call located in the 11000 block of SE Long Street. On the way there, the call was upgraded to being a “Fire, Residential”.

Upon arrival, PF&R Lents Station 11’s Engine Company and Rescue Unit radioed back to dispatchers that there was indeed active fire, and that they were seeing a single-story residence with smoke showing.

As firefighters open the front door, thick dark smoke billows out.

Via social media, a PF&R commander posted minute-by-minute updates on the firefight: “Crews have stretched a hose line and established a water supply.

This Ladder Truck Company crew cuts holes in the roof, allowing hot, combustible gasses to escape.

“Command is working to assign the next arriving companies to support the work of the interior fire attack crews. Tasks include establishing a backup hose line, interior search for potential occupants, taking a 360 [looking on all sides of the structure] exterior search for other hazards, and more.

An ambulance is prepared to receive the fire victim.

“The fire attack team has located a fire victim through a targeted search, and are working to bring the victim outside. AMR is on-scene to assist if medical care is needed.”

In an ensuing post on “X”, formerly known as Twitter, the communicator revealed, “This 74-year-old fire victim was, sadly, deceased at the scene. Investigation of [fire] cause is underway; no further info available at this time.”

So far, PF&R has not provided updated information about this fire or its cause, and have not yet revealed the name of the victim.

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