Learn why commanders called a second alarm as thick dark smoke poured from a Cully neighborhood four-plex …
Firefighters operate amidst dense smoke as they work on the roof to prevent flames from spreading to neighboring apartment structures on N. E. Simpson Street.
By David F. Ashton
Thick dark smoke poured into the morning sky above outer East Portland as flames threatened to engulf a multi-family residential building, prompting emergency crews to rush to the scene of a “Box-Box Response” apartment fire at 10:46 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026. Responding firefighters from Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) focused their initial efforts on the 6200 block of N. E. Simpson Street in the Cully neighborhood.
From their vantage point at the rear of the complex, Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters direct a heavy stream of water at flames burning along the backside of the N. E. Simpson Street four-plex.
Fire crews encounter heavy smoke
While in route to the dispatch location, the closest responding engine crew spotted a visible smoke header rising above the neighborhood, confirming an active working fire. Upon arrival, crews located the blaze tucked in north of N. E. Simpson Street, behind a residence near the Simpson St Apartments at 6043–6051 N. E. Simpson Street.
Dark, heavy smoke was pushing violently from the rear of a two-story four-plex apartment building. Firefighters immediately directed an offensive attack, advancing hose lines directly into the interior of the structure to confront the flames.
A ladder thrown to an elevated second-story window at the front of the N. E. Simpson Street four-plex offers fire crews immediate upper-floor entry and potential rescue capabilities.
Simultaneously, a truck crew initiated search and rescue operations, raising ladders to second-story windows to gain rapid access to the upper floor and ensure no residents were trapped inside.
Second alarm called as flames spread
As crews worked inside, a second chief on scene reported that intense fire roaring from the backside of the building was beginning to impinge on an adjacent apartment structure. Recognizing the immediate danger of fire extending to neighboring units, the command chief called for a second alarm assignment.
The second alarm dispatched an additional 24 firefighters, bringing the total workforce on scene to over 50 PF&R members. Command officials noted over the radio that the heightened response ensured adequate personnel to protect nearby structures while crews contained the primary blaze.
family structure after PF&R crews successfully knock down the flames.
Fire contained without injuries, 10 displaced
Thanks to the aggressive attack by initial crews, the fire was quickly brought under control. Of the additional units dispatched for the second alarm, only a single engine company was ultimately required to perform remaining work on the incident.
Emergency officials confirmed that there were no injuries reported among residents or firefighters.
However, ten occupants were displaced as a result of the fire damage. Representatives from the American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the displaced residents with temporary housing and immediate needs.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by PF&R investigators.
Images courtesy of Portland Fire & Rescue
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
