On July 5th 2019 at approximately 3:45 am Portland Fire & Rescue responded to an apartment fire at 3918 NE Garfield. When crews arrived they found heavy fire from an apartment complex with multiple victims suffering from smoke inhalation and heat related injuries. One female was transported immediately from the scene with serious injuries after jumping from a third story window. A second and third alarm was called for by incident commanders to provide additional resources amid concern the fire could threaten nearby residences also. In all, approximately 50 firefighters were needed to contain the threat from extending to other homes. Fire investigators received multiple reports that illegal fireworks were seen and heard moments before the fire broke out, which initiated a months long investigation. Members of the Portland Police and Portland Fire Investigations Unit identified one person believed to have been responsible for the fireworks used that night. One 17 year old suspect was held for questioning and will be charged as a juvenile with reckless endangering and possession and use of illegal fireworks. It is not known if additional suspects or charges are to come at this time. 

Portland Fire & Rescue and the office of Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty would like to remind residents that the possession and/or use of illegal fireworks in the city of Portland will not be tolerated and offenders will be prosecuted. We are all too familiar with the dangers of fireworks in our communities and we ask you to work WITH us to keep Portland Safe. 

*Video link to footage captured by a PF&R Battalion Chief below: 

<Click on link below or copy and paste into your browser>

https://vimeo.com/370420581/f96785283f