Just before 3pm on Weds May 15th PF&R crews were sent to a reported house fire at the 4100block of N. Foss Ct. The first arriving crews found heavy fire and smoke showing from all windows of a 2 story addition to a previously built home. The addition appeared to be in the construction phase and was heavily damaged by fire and smoke. One adult male was home at the time but was able to make it out safely. Thankfully no one was injured in this fire as firefighters performed an interior attack of the fire preventing spread to the established part of the home. Investigators were called to the scene from the PF&R Arson Investigation Unit and after a close look at the evidence at the scene they have determined that this fire was in fact arson.

The Arson Investigation Unit is soliciting your help. If you live in or happen to be in the neighborhood of this fire when it happened and have any information that may help investigators please call our tip-line at 503-823-INFO (4636).

A short video of the fire as crews first arrived can be seen by clicking the following link: 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2bpclv19x619ii7/Video%20May%2015%2C%203%2016%2004%20PM.mov?dl=0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2019

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OR – Multnomah Fire Defense Board has issued an outdoor burn ban effective Thursday, May 9, 2019, in all areas of Multnomah County.

The burn ban has been issued due to forecasted high temperatures, limited rainfall and ongoing dry conditions.

The burn ban includes recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris, agricultural burning and permits issued for open burning until further notice. Check with your local Fire Department/District for more information. For updated information please call the burning information line at:
--503-618-3083 for Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, Fire District 10
--503-695-2225 for Corbett Fire District 14
--503-621-1242 for Sauvie Island District 30
--503-823-3700 for Portland Fire & Rescue general information

Outdoor barbecuing is still allowed; however, citizens should exercise extreme caution. When using charcoal briquettes please properly dispose of ashes in a covered metal container away from combustibles, and keep the ashes wet for a few days before properly disposing of them. Maintain at least ten feet between outdoor cooking and anything combustible such as siding, fences, shrubbery, etc.

Smokers are reminded to ensure their cigarettes are truly out and placed in proper receptacles.

Those living in rural areas are asked to maintain their defensible space by monitoring growth surrounding homes and structures, and to maintain adequate access for firefighting equipment.

For additional information, contact Gresham Fire and Emergency Services, 503-618-2355 or your local fire department

**The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG warning today in condsideration of expected high winds. This increases the fire danger significantly and is a rare occurance this time of year. 

At 7:15 pm this evening, Portland and Gresham firefighters were called to a reported house fire in the 3000 block of SE 162nd Ave. Upon their arrival, fire crews reported finding heavy smoke coming from the back of a house. Firefighters searched the house for trapped occupants while working to extinguish a room and contents fire in a second floor bedroom.

No people was found inside; occupants were alerted by properly functioning smoke detectors and were all accounted for outside the house. There were no injuries associated with this fire. The fire did not spread from the room of origin and was quickly extinguished. Portland Red Cross is responding to assist with housing 5 children and 4 adults who were displaced by the fire. PF&R fire investigator determined the cause to be an unattended candle in the bedroom.

PF&R reminds Portland residents: Unattended candles are a common cause of fires and always ensure candles are extinguished prior to leaving the room or house; when a building catches on fire or a smoke detector sounds, “get out, stay out;” and ensure you have working smoke detectors at home and in the workplace.

Fire crews responded to a SW residential fire shortly after midnight.  Firefighters arrived on scene to heavy fire showing from the home and a defensive (outside only) strategy was initiated.  Additional hazards included a down electrical power line in front of the home.  Residents of the home made it safely outside their home prior to fire crews’ arrival.  

Crews extinguished the fire from an exterior position with no injuries to the residents or firefighters. Fire did not extend to any other structures.  3 adults are displaced from the home and are being assisted by the Red Cross. The fire was recalled approximately 40 minutes after arrival.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but it was determined that the fire initiated from under the deck in the backyard.  

Residents are reminded to maintain multiple working smoke alarms throughout their home and once outside of the home, stay outside until directed otherwise by fire crews.  

***UPDATE***

The PF&R Arson Investigation Team has concluded that the cause of this deadly van fire is the following: A propane BBQ that was being used as a heat source inside the van where the two victims were sleeping. The flame from the BBQ ignited clothing nearby. The cause of death and the identification of the two vicitms has not been completed by the Office of the Medical Examiner and will be released when available.

***END OF UPDATE***

At approximately 6:30am PF&R crews were sent to a reported van fire near the intersection of N Vancouver and N Middlefield Rd. Firefighters reported heavy flames and smoke from a van when they arrived. The fire was extinguished and while searching through the heavily damaged van firefighters discovered the bodies of two adults one male, one female.

Several nearby residents confirmed that there were signs that people were living in the van for the previous 2 weeks. A cyclist, reportedly, saw the van on fire prior to arrival of PF&R and attempted to alert anyone potentialy inside but the flames were to intense.  Fire investigators are currently processing witness statements, evidence at the scene and communicating with the office of the Medical Examiner to determine cause of death and cause of fire. As soon as those conclusions are available they will be released to the public through update of this press release.