At approximately 4:47 am this morning crews responded to a reported house fire at 5826 N Missouri Ave. The neighbor was awake and noticed the fire and was able to call 911 quickly. Enroute crews were notified that occupants had evacuated but during the course of searching the home, firefighters did find one of the two dogs in the home that deceased. Upon arrival crews found the front of the house completely involved with fire. They had to put the fire out on the exterior prior to transitioning to an interior fire attack. Crews faced several challenges including a power line down, natural gas line on fire and porch overhang that could have collapsed.   The fire was under control and recalled at 5:15. Investigators are on scene and a cause has not yet been determined. 

Occupants credit smoke detectors with alarming them to the fire. Initially the residents did not get transported to the hospital but did later, they are both in stable condition. 

PF&R would like to remind residents to check their smoke detectors. 

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Portland Fire and Rescue is sending crews to assist in firefighting efforts to the Bootleg fire as part of the Multnomah county task force. The task force is made up of units from Portland, Gresham, and Corbett fire departments. The task force is comprised of an engine and water tender from Corbett, two brush units from Portland, and a brush unit and task force leader from Gresham. The task force was requested from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office and departed the metro area at 6:00 pm.

Portland Fire Chief Sara Boone said “all fire departments have a dual responsibility during wildfire season. The primary mission is to provide local emergency response coverage as well an obligation under the state’s emergency mobilization plan, to help during wildfire conflagration”.

The cause of the deadly 4th alarm fire at 2226 NE Weidler during the morning of July 4th has been determined to be fireworks. The investigation remains open and ongoing. Two people died in this tragic fire with one still in critical but stable condition.

With the Fourth of July fireworks season (June 23rd to July 6th) almost complete, the fireworks ban this year appears to have been extremely effective. Preliminary figures reflect a total of 9 fireworks caused fires this year, down from 44 during the same period last year. The final number of fireworks caused fires for Fourth of July 2021 will be released once our Investigations Unit completes their remaining investigations.

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank residents for adhering to the fireworks ban. Your responsiveness helped limit potential fireworks related fires during an unprecedented dry period.

Arson Investigators confirm that the apartment fire at 2226 NE Weidler in the early morning hours of July 4th resulted in 4 injuries and at least 2 deaths. Portland Fire and Police Investigators are currently on scene to determine cause. Witnesses state that fireworks were heard in the vicinity of the apartment building but there is no confirmation that this was the cause. Investigators ask that anyone witnessed anything or has video or information to please call 503-823-INFO (4636).

After being on scene of this early morning fire, Fire Chief Sara Boone stated  “The magnitude of this fire moved so quick that people had little time to escape and many did not. This is a tragic day for our City. I want to first acknowledge the pain and suffering of the victims and their families. I also want to praise the heroic efforts of the firefighters and residents that worked together to save so many victims under extreme conditions. If not for their efforts there would be a much greater loss.” 

More information will be released when appropriate and a press conference is scheduled for 2:30 at the scene of this fire.

Just after 3:30a this morning, crews responded to reports of an apartment fire at 2226 NE Weidler. Upon arrival, crews found two apartment buildings fully involved. The fire was upgraded rapidly ultimately resulting in 4 alarms. 

Two individuals were transported to local hospitals, with unknown injuries at this time.  Multiple patients were treated on scene.    

Investigators currently on scene working on a cause determination.  If you have any information on this fire please call 503-823-4636.

Portland Fire & Rescue does not advocate travel to neighboring jurisdictions for the purpose of lighting fireworks. “I see no boundaries when it comes to the unprecedented fire danger Oregonians face this year,” said Fire Chief Sara Boone. “Neighboring and coastal communities have even fewer resources to deal with wildfires than Portland does and I’m asking our residents to please not put them at risk. Coastal communities have not banned fireworks and make for an attractive destination during the heat, but they’re asking their own residents to refrain from fireworks use this year. I encourage Portlander’s to support all of our neighbors in keeping their communities safe.”

This morning Portland Fire and Rescue (PF&R) deployed crews to the Wrentham Market Fire located just northeast of Dufur with the Multnomah County Task Force. Portland Fire sent a brush unit and a task force leader as well as four members to the State Incident Management Team (IMT). Portland Fire continues to support the State with fire resources when called upon while making sure we still are able to meet our mission of protecting the residents of Portland. Due to the continued dry weather and extreme fire danger, PF&R would like to remind people to celebrate safely over the 4th of July weekend.

Due to unusually hot temperatures and dry conditions, PF&R is announcing an immediate ban on the use of all legal and illegal fireworks. This difficult decision has been made recognizing that it will have a serious impact to those businesses dependent on the sale of fireworks and many of us who had plans to include fireworks with our July 4th 2021 celebration. PF&R Chief Sara Boone, along with her command staff and Commissioner-in-charge, Jo Ann Hardesty, carefully examined the impact recent weather conditions have had on our city and concluded that a ban on fire works is the right thing to do for the protection of our residents.

“If we don’t take this proactive step now, I fear the consequences could be devastating” said Chief Boone. “It is not easy to make a decision like this so close to our national holiday but as Fire Chief I feel I have a higher responsibility to sometimes make unpopular decisions during unprecedented times to protect life, property and the environment.”

Please do not call 911 to report fireworks use! It is very important that our 911 system be kept for reporting only active fires and serious medical problems. Your cooperation with this will save lives!

Fire Investigators will not be patrolling for fireworks use but are sending a strong warning that they will be INVESTIGATING ALL FIRES THAT HAVE A CONNECTION TO FIREWORKS. If your firework use is found as a cause, you will be held responsible. Fireworks use that causes injury or extensive damage can result in heavy fines and/or jail time.