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News Release

PF&R Responds To Early Morning Industrial Fire In NW PDX (Photo) - 08/27/26

PF&R Responds to early morning industrial fire in NW PDX

 

At just after 5 AM this morning PF&R Crews were dispatched to a possible commercial fire in the NW Industrial District near the intersection of NW Nicolai and NW 30th Avenue. A second alarm was requested early on with the large volume of fire and the potential to spread to multiple industrial buildings. The bulk of the fire was extinguished before the second alarm assignment had arrived with most turned back to their home stations without any active assignment on the incident. There were no reported injuries, and this fire is currently under investigation.

 

Crews arrived at a multi-building industrial shop to find heavy fire on the exterior of a warehouse building all enclosed by 8’ tall cyclone fencing capped with rows of barbed wire. The flames were impinging upon and crawling up the exterior wall of a 40’ by 60’ warehouse building that was attached to a large, multi-space shop filled with industrial lathes, saws, and presses used by the company to fabricate wooden and metal casts used in forming tools. Crews made an interior push into the warehouse building affected by fire with a significant body of fire in the attic space overhead traveling toward the shop building. Crews on the roof performed a trench cut to access the flames running the roof structure toward the shop and put a stop to the advancing fire at the connecting point of the warehouse and shop space. Interior crews extinguished the flames from below while roof companies opened sections to apply water and stop the fire from traveling in the connected breezeway roof between the buildings. The fire was nearly extinguished within 15 minutes of arrival. Command requested a truck and engine crew from base on the second alarm to continue fire suppression activities while releasing all others to return to their home stations.

 

The PF&R Fire Investigation Team is on scene combing through the area of origin and interviewing personnel to determine cause. There were no reports of injuries from either firefighters or civilians on this incident. PF&R would like to thank the dispatchers along with PPB and PGE for their assistance on this incident.

 

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Attached Media Files: Flames prior to the arrival of fire crews., Crews working on the roof at the connection point of the two buildings of concern., Wall of warehouse building after fire extinguished., Investigators on scene., Reloading hose onto the first arriving engine from Station 6., Streaking clouds illuminated by the rising sun with firefighters working on the roof of the building.,

PF&R Responds To Early Morning Industrial Fire In NW PDX (Photo) - 08/27/26

PF&R Responds to early morning industrial fire in NW PDX

 

At just after 5 AM this morning PF&R Crews were dispatched to a possible commercial fire in the NW Industrial District near the intersection of NW Nicolai and NW 30th Avenue. A second alarm was requested early on with the large volume of fire and the potential to spread to multiple industrial buildings. The bulk of the fire was extinguished before the second alarm assignment had arrived with most turned back to their home stations without any active assignment on the incident. There were no reported injuries, and this fire is currently under investigation.

 

Crews arrived at a multi-building industrial shop to find heavy fire on the exterior of a warehouse building all enclosed by 8’ tall cyclone fencing capped with rows of barbed wire. The flames were impinging upon and crawling up the exterior wall of a 40’ by 60’ warehouse building that was attached to a large, multi-space shop filled with industrial lathes, saws, and presses used by the company to fabricate wooden and metal casts used in forming tools. Crews made an interior push into the warehouse building affected by fire with a significant body of fire in the attic space overhead traveling toward the shop building. Crews on the roof performed a trench cut to access the flames running the roof structure toward the shop and put a stop to the advancing fire at the connecting point of the warehouse and shop space. Interior crews extinguished the flames from below while roof companies opened sections to apply water and stop the fire from traveling in the connected breezeway roof between the buildings. The fire was nearly extinguished within 15 minutes of arrival. Command requested a truck and engine crew from base on the second alarm to continue fire suppression activities while releasing all others to return to their home stations.

 

The PF&R Fire Investigation Team is on scene combing through the area of origin and interviewing personnel to determine cause. There were no reports of injuries from either firefighters or civilians on this incident. PF&R would like to thank the dispatchers along with PPB and PGE for their assistance on this incident.

 

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Attached Media Files: Flames prior to the arrival of fire crews., Crews working on the roof at the connection point of the two buildings of concern., Wall of warehouse building after fire extinguished., Investigators on scene., Reloading hose onto the first arriving engine from Station 6., Streaking clouds illuminated by the rising sun with firefighters working on the roof of the building.,

PFR Responds To 3 Wildland Fires In A 6-hour Period (Photo) - 08/26/26

PFR Responds to 3 Wildland Fires in a 6-hour period      

   

Portland Fire responded to 3 different vegetation fires of significance over a 6-hour period in NE and North Portland. The first was a series of grass fires along Marine Drive with an associated vehicle fire, the second was a large log along the banks of the Willamette River in North Portland, and the third was along I84 near NE 82nd that was elevated to a second alarm.

 

There were 2 separate vegetation fires dispatched at 10:55 AM with the locations close to one another but in distinctly different locations (multiple incidents along Marine Drive near the east end of the airport and one at the intersecction of NE 33rd and Marnie Drive) leading the BOEC dispatchers to create 2 separate calls with multiple stations responding to the area in question. Engine 14 out of the Vernon Neighborhood accessed NE 33rd to address the grass fire called in at the intersection of NE 33rd and NE Marine Drive. As they were ¼ south of Marine Drive they came across a vehicle in tow that was completely engulfed in flames. They redirected their efforts away from the grass fire and extinguished this vehicle in tow while crews from PF&R Station 2 (the training station), PF&R Station 30, and Port of Portland Fire addressed the multiple grass fires a called in by many in the dry grass along Marine Drive adjacent the airport. The grass that was burning was on the north side of the road between the bike path and Marine Drive. Port of Portland Fire used a crash truck initially to use their large capacity nozzle to flow water from airport property over the top of Marine Drive and landing a large volume of water on one of the patches of vegetation on fire. PF&R Crews drove along Marine Drive stopping at each fire to reduce all the flames and stop the fire from growing until moving to the next fire. In total there were 3 smaller fires and a larger area of grass that burned. It was discovered that the vehicle in tow had entered westbound Marine at 122nd and began driving to NE 33rd and turned south. It was not immediately clear to the driver pulling the car that the vehicle in tow was on fire and flammable material was actively floating off this mobile torch to the side of the road starting multiple spot fires in the dry grasses. The driver stopped once the fire was large enough for the driver to recognize the vehicle in tow was in fact completely consumed with flames.  These fires were all addressed within 30 minutes of being dispatched with no reports of any injuries. Traffic was rerouted off this section of road while firefighters were working along the roadway.

 

The second of three unique vegetation fires was dispatched to Station 22 at 2:28 PM with reports of a significant smoke column near 6620 N. Richmond alongside the Willamette River. Brush Unit 22 and the ATV’s assigned to the Shirley Ann out of Station 22 responded to the area of the smoke column.With many roads leading to impassable trails in the area, accessing the location of the fire was a challenge. After a few minutes of investigation, it was discovered a large log along the banks of Willamette was on fire. The command officer decided the best mechanism for extinguishing was to call out a fire boat to lob water onto the log from the river using one of the mounted deck turrets. The crew from Station 22 worked the area with their hand tools stopping the growth of the fire and providing more access to the flames within the large tree while Fire Boat 6 pulled water from the river and dropped it into the area affected by fire. Once the fire boat arrived, the fire was completely extinguished within 10 minutes with the fire boat motoring back to quarters and the Station 22 members returning to St. John’s to be ready for their next emergency.

 

The third significant wildland or vegetation fire that was dispatched in this 6-hour period landed at 4:30 PM and was in the heavy brush and trees alongside I84 near NE 80th in the Madison South Neighborhood. With significant flames showing visible from the freeway during rush hour traffic, the dispatch center had multiple calls regarding this emergency. Rescue 19 with a small pump and tank and Squad 12 arrived to begin putting water on the flames. Access was difficult with thick blackberry brambles at the end of the street forcing crews to use a chain saw to cut a pathway to the fire on the other side of the brush. Squad 12 was connected to a hydrant and then pumped into Rescue 19 that had multiple hoses extending off to firefighters cooling and extinguishing flames on the other side of the thick band of bushes located at the end of the street. With the flames extending into the tree canopy and showing 30’ flame lengths, the command officer called for a second alarm as this vegetation fire was in proximity to multiple homes. If this fire extended to any structure, there would be a need for more personnel on scene to address the volume of fire. Fortunately, the crews on scene were able to reduce the body of fire well before any home was threatened and most 2nd alarm companies never made it to the incident.

 

Portland Fire would like to thank the Port of Portland Fire for their assistance on the Marine Drive Incident, Port of Portland Police and PPB for providing traffic control on Marine Drive as crews worked along the roadway, and to thank the dispatchers at BOEC for their assistance on all three larger wildland vegetation fires. It should be noted that PF&R responded to well over 15 other smaller vegetation fires throughout the day as we are entering the second half of wildfire season with much of the fuels having dried up.

 

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Attached Media Files: Engine 14 Crew extinguishing vehicle in tow on fire., Crews working alongside Marine Drive extinguishing multiple grass fires., Crews working alongside Marine Drive extinguishing multiple grass fires., Crews working alongside Marine Drive extinguishing multiple grass fires., Port of Portland Crash Truck used to place a large volume of water across Marine Drive to slow the growth of the grass fire on the north side of the road., Fire Boat 8 applying water on the vegetation fire located alongside the Willamette River in North Portland., Firefighter using chainsaw to gain access to interior of large tree for extinguishment., Rescue 19 getting set up to pump and extinguish fire., Crews using chain saw to create a pathway through thick vegetation to access body of fire located on the other side of the bushes., Crews using chain saw to create a pathway through thick vegetation to access body of fire located on the other side of the bushes., Firefighter putting water on fire., Area burned in incident., Crews on scene., Area burned in incident.,

PFR Responds To 3 Wildland Fires In A 6-hour Period (Photo) - 08/26/26

PFR Responds to 3 Wildland Fires in a 6-hour period      

   

Portland Fire responded to 3 different vegetation fires of significance over a 6-hour period in NE and North Portland. The first was a series of grass fires along Marine Drive with an associated vehicle fire, the second was a large log along the banks of the Willamette River in North Portland, and the third was along I84 near NE 82nd that was elevated to a second alarm.

 

There were 2 separate vegetation fires dispatched at 10:55 AM with the locations close to one another but in distinctly different locations (multiple incidents along Marine Drive near the east end of the airport and one at the intersecction of NE 33rd and Marnie Drive) leading the BOEC dispatchers to create 2 separate calls with multiple stations responding to the area in question. Engine 14 out of the Vernon Neighborhood accessed NE 33rd to address the grass fire called in at the intersection of NE 33rd and NE Marine Drive. As they were ¼ south of Marine Drive they came across a vehicle in tow that was completely engulfed in flames. They redirected their efforts away from the grass fire and extinguished this vehicle in tow while crews from PF&R Station 2 (the training station), PF&R Station 30, and Port of Portland Fire addressed the multiple grass fires a called in by many in the dry grass along Marine Drive adjacent the airport. The grass that was burning was on the north side of the road between the bike path and Marine Drive. Port of Portland Fire used a crash truck initially to use their large capacity nozzle to flow water from airport property over the top of Marine Drive and landing a large volume of water on one of the patches of vegetation on fire. PF&R Crews drove along Marine Drive stopping at each fire to reduce all the flames and stop the fire from growing until moving to the next fire. In total there were 3 smaller fires and a larger area of grass that burned. It was discovered that the vehicle in tow had entered westbound Marine at 122nd and began driving to NE 33rd and turned south. It was not immediately clear to the driver pulling the car that the vehicle in tow was on fire and flammable material was actively floating off this mobile torch to the side of the road starting multiple spot fires in the dry grasses. The driver stopped once the fire was large enough for the driver to recognize the vehicle in tow was in fact completely consumed with flames.  These fires were all addressed within 30 minutes of being dispatched with no reports of any injuries. Traffic was rerouted off this section of road while firefighters were working along the roadway.

 

The second of three unique vegetation fires was dispatched to Station 22 at 2:28 PM with reports of a significant smoke column near 6620 N. Richmond alongside the Willamette River. Brush Unit 22 and the ATV’s assigned to the Shirley Ann out of Station 22 responded to the area of the smoke column.With many roads leading to impassable trails in the area, accessing the location of the fire was a challenge. After a few minutes of investigation, it was discovered a large log along the banks of Willamette was on fire. The command officer decided the best mechanism for extinguishing was to call out a fire boat to lob water onto the log from the river using one of the mounted deck turrets. The crew from Station 22 worked the area with their hand tools stopping the growth of the fire and providing more access to the flames within the large tree while Fire Boat 6 pulled water from the river and dropped it into the area affected by fire. Once the fire boat arrived, the fire was completely extinguished within 10 minutes with the fire boat motoring back to quarters and the Station 22 members returning to St. John’s to be ready for their next emergency.

 

The third significant wildland or vegetation fire that was dispatched in this 6-hour period landed at 4:30 PM and was in the heavy brush and trees alongside I84 near NE 80th in the Madison South Neighborhood. With significant flames showing visible from the freeway during rush hour traffic, the dispatch center had multiple calls regarding this emergency. Rescue 19 with a small pump and tank and Squad 12 arrived to begin putting water on the flames. Access was difficult with thick blackberry brambles at the end of the street forcing crews to use a chain saw to cut a pathway to the fire on the other side of the brush. Squad 12 was connected to a hydrant and then pumped into Rescue 19 that had multiple hoses extending off to firefighters cooling and extinguishing flames on the other side of the thick band of bushes located at the end of the street. With the flames extending into the tree canopy and showing 30’ flame lengths, the command officer called for a second alarm as this vegetation fire was in proximity to multiple homes. If this fire extended to any structure, there would be a need for more personnel on scene to address the volume of fire. Fortunately, the crews on scene were able to reduce the body of fire well before any home was threatened and most 2nd alarm companies never made it to the incident.

 

Portland Fire would like to thank the Port of Portland Fire for their assistance on the Marine Drive Incident, Port of Portland Police and PPB for providing traffic control on Marine Drive as crews worked along the roadway, and to thank the dispatchers at BOEC for their assistance on all three larger wildland vegetation fires. It should be noted that PF&R responded to well over 15 other smaller vegetation fires throughout the day as we are entering the second half of wildfire season with much of the fuels having dried up.

 

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Attached Media Files: Engine 14 Crew extinguishing vehicle in tow on fire., Crews working alongside Marine Drive extinguishing multiple grass fires., Crews working alongside Marine Drive extinguishing multiple grass fires., Crews working alongside Marine Drive extinguishing multiple grass fires., Port of Portland Crash Truck used to place a large volume of water across Marine Drive to slow the growth of the grass fire on the north side of the road., Fire Boat 8 applying water on the vegetation fire located alongside the Willamette River in North Portland., Firefighter using chainsaw to gain access to interior of large tree for extinguishment., Rescue 19 getting set up to pump and extinguish fire., Crews using chain saw to create a pathway through thick vegetation to access body of fire located on the other side of the bushes., Crews using chain saw to create a pathway through thick vegetation to access body of fire located on the other side of the bushes., Firefighter putting water on fire., Area burned in incident., Crews on scene., Area burned in incident.,

Portland Firefighter Injured During House Fire On N Missouri Avenue (Photo) - 08/22/26

Portland Fire & Rescue crews responded at 7:03 p.m. to a residential structure fire on N Missouri Avenue. A Portland Fire & Rescue firefighter was transported to a nearby hospital with minor burn injuries sustained while battling the fire.

 

The firefighter was a member of an interior crew conducting fire attack when a window failed, resulting in a flashover-type event inside the home. The interior crew withdrew from the structure and conducted an accountability survey before re-entering the residence to successfully conduct fire suppression operations.

 

The injured firefighter was evaluated at the hospital and has since been released.

 

There were no civilian victims reported as a result of the fire and the homeowner is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

 

Responding units included Engines 24, 14, 13 and 1; Trucks 8, 13 and 2; and Squad 1.

 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Attached Media Files: IMG_0164.jpeg, IMG_0168.jpeg, IMG_0161.jpeg, IMG_0160.jpeg,

Portland Firefighter Injured During House Fire On N Missouri Avenue (Photo) - 08/22/26

Portland Fire & Rescue crews responded at 7:03 p.m. to a residential structure fire on N Missouri Avenue. A Portland Fire & Rescue firefighter was transported to a nearby hospital with minor burn injuries sustained while battling the fire.

 

The firefighter was a member of an interior crew conducting fire attack when a window failed, resulting in a flashover-type event inside the home. The interior crew withdrew from the structure and conducted an accountability survey before re-entering the residence to successfully conduct fire suppression operations.

 

The injured firefighter was evaluated at the hospital and has since been released.

 

There were no civilian victims reported as a result of the fire and the homeowner is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

 

Responding units included Engines 24, 14, 13 and 1; Trucks 8, 13 and 2; and Squad 1.

 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Attached Media Files: IMG_0164.jpeg, IMG_0168.jpeg, IMG_0161.jpeg, IMG_0160.jpeg,

PF&R Responds To HazMat Chemical Spill (Photo) - 08/10/26

PF&R Responds to HazMat Chemical Spill

 

At 5:24 AM Portland Fire & Rescue responded to an emergency incident with reports of a tanker truck with a leak from the tank on Hayden Island, PF&R Engine 17 responded, confirmed active leak in 5000-gallon tank with Sulfuric Acid actively flowing onto the roadway and moving toward storm drains. The Hazardous Materials Team was activated, a safety perimeter established, and sand-absorbent were ordered from PBOT and ODOT for storm drain protection and clean up.

 

PBOT delivered 2 separate loads of sand with members of PF&R using to put together two independent piles to act as absorbing dams to slow the flow of the liquid into the storm drain. An estimated 100 gallons of liquid entered the storm drain prior to our arrival and damming up of the area with DEQ and BES notified of the spill. The PF&R HazMat Coordinator is working with the contracted clean-up crew to ensure the clean-up procedures are appropriate for the given concentration of Sulfuric Acid being transported.

 

There are no reported injuries or extended health risks to the community. PF&R would like to thank PPB, ODOT, PBOT, and BOEC for their assistance with this emergency response.

 

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Attached Media Files: Sand used to dam up around the storm drain., Hazardous Material Team on scene in protective gear., Active leak through the failed/damage weld on drainage pipe., View of chemical on the roadway with sand dams in the background., HazMat team decontaminating., HazMat team member evaluating pH of substance., Example of sand used to protect and minimize flow into the storm drain system., Second delivery of sand.,

PF&R Responds To HazMat Chemical Spill (Photo) - 08/10/26

PF&R Responds to HazMat Chemical Spill

 

At 5:24 AM Portland Fire & Rescue responded to an emergency incident with reports of a tanker truck with a leak from the tank on Hayden Island, PF&R Engine 17 responded, confirmed active leak in 5000-gallon tank with Sulfuric Acid actively flowing onto the roadway and moving toward storm drains. The Hazardous Materials Team was activated, a safety perimeter established, and sand-absorbent were ordered from PBOT and ODOT for storm drain protection and clean up.

 

PBOT delivered 2 separate loads of sand with members of PF&R using to put together two independent piles to act as absorbing dams to slow the flow of the liquid into the storm drain. An estimated 100 gallons of liquid entered the storm drain prior to our arrival and damming up of the area with DEQ and BES notified of the spill. The PF&R HazMat Coordinator is working with the contracted clean-up crew to ensure the clean-up procedures are appropriate for the given concentration of Sulfuric Acid being transported.

 

There are no reported injuries or extended health risks to the community. PF&R would like to thank PPB, ODOT, PBOT, and BOEC for their assistance with this emergency response.

 

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Attached Media Files: Sand used to dam up around the storm drain., Hazardous Material Team on scene in protective gear., Active leak through the failed/damage weld on drainage pipe., View of chemical on the roadway with sand dams in the background., HazMat team decontaminating., HazMat team member evaluating pH of substance., Example of sand used to protect and minimize flow into the storm drain system., Second delivery of sand.,

Arborist Fatally Injured In West Hills Tree-Fall Accident (Photo) - 08/04/26

Arborist Fatally Injured in West Hills Tree-Fall Accident

 

At approximately 10:15 a.m, a call to 911 reported what was initially described as a cardiac event in the West Portland area near the response boundary of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) and Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R). Following standard protocol, BOEC dispatchers sent the two closest fire units—TVF&R Engine 60 and PF&R Engine 27—along with the nearest Multnomah County-assigned AMR ambulance. 

 

AMR Medic 309 was first to arrive and determined the incident was not medical in nature but instead a traumatic injury caused by a falling tree. Given the steep, uneven terrain, Engine 60 notified responding units of the potential need for a rope rescue system. PF&R’s officer, along with BOEC dispatchers, requested PF&R’s Technical Rescue Team, which was dispatched immediately.  

 

TVF&R Engine 60 arrived approximately four minutes ahead of PF&R Engine 27 and began working with AMR personnel. Once the victim was confirmed deceased, crews collaborated to develop a safe plan to reach and remove the victim from a location roughly 30 feet upslope on unstable ground.  

 

PF&R’s Technical Rescue Team cut a pathway through dense vegetation and small trees, selecting the gentlest slope available for extrication. Two rope systems were used: one to safely lower the stokes basket and another static line to support rescuers navigating the sandy, rocky terrain. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner responded and took custody of the victim.  

 

Portland Fire & Rescue extends gratitude to our mutual aid partners at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, as well as to the BOEC dispatchers, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Transit Police for traffic control support. 

 

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Attached Media Files: PF&R Firefighter setting up rope anchor at the base of the static line., PF&R working with the static line., Line up of response rigs downslope of the incident., Firefighters waiting to move victim downslope., Firefighters waiting to move victim downslope., Firefighters awaiting the arrival of the ME to continue the progress to the roadway.,

Arborist Fatally Injured In West Hills Tree-Fall Accident (Photo) - 08/04/26

Arborist Fatally Injured in West Hills Tree-Fall Accident

 

At approximately 10:15 a.m, a call to 911 reported what was initially described as a cardiac event in the West Portland area near the response boundary of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) and Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R). Following standard protocol, BOEC dispatchers sent the two closest fire units—TVF&R Engine 60 and PF&R Engine 27—along with the nearest Multnomah County-assigned AMR ambulance. 

 

AMR Medic 309 was first to arrive and determined the incident was not medical in nature but instead a traumatic injury caused by a falling tree. Given the steep, uneven terrain, Engine 60 notified responding units of the potential need for a rope rescue system. PF&R’s officer, along with BOEC dispatchers, requested PF&R’s Technical Rescue Team, which was dispatched immediately.  

 

TVF&R Engine 60 arrived approximately four minutes ahead of PF&R Engine 27 and began working with AMR personnel. Once the victim was confirmed deceased, crews collaborated to develop a safe plan to reach and remove the victim from a location roughly 30 feet upslope on unstable ground.  

 

PF&R’s Technical Rescue Team cut a pathway through dense vegetation and small trees, selecting the gentlest slope available for extrication. Two rope systems were used: one to safely lower the stokes basket and another static line to support rescuers navigating the sandy, rocky terrain. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner responded and took custody of the victim.  

 

Portland Fire & Rescue extends gratitude to our mutual aid partners at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, as well as to the BOEC dispatchers, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Transit Police for traffic control support. 

 

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Attached Media Files: PF&R Firefighter setting up rope anchor at the base of the static line., PF&R working with the static line., Line up of response rigs downslope of the incident., Firefighters waiting to move victim downslope., Firefighters waiting to move victim downslope., Firefighters awaiting the arrival of the ME to continue the progress to the roadway.,

PF&R Responds To Multiple Vehicles And Structure Fire Overnight (Photo) - 08/04/26

PF&R responds to multiple vehicles and structure fire overnight

 

At 10:55 PM Portland Fire was dispatched to a fire of exact location unknown, but the early indicators were somewhere along NE Lombard with the first arriving rig discovering the best access to the visible fire was from NE Columbia and redirected all responders to the best access location

.

The first arriving crew, Engine 14, assumed command and began to establish an entry team and a water supply plan, with an electric fence slowing the entry process and the long hose lay required to stretch long around the large warehouse. Battalion Chief of District 2 arrived and took command and requested a second alarm assignment with reports of multiple vehicles and a tractor trailer on fire adjacent to the backside of this large warehouse in the Cully Neighborhood.

 

The electric fence was disabled by the Truck 8 crew access to the fireground was open for the hose lines and members to get to the fire. The recruits from Station 2 were in a perfect position to extend the bulk hose line around to entire building to begin extinguishing the 2 vehicles and tractor trailer adjacent to the building on the back or “Charlie” side of the structure. An additional line was extended to the back to have enough water to address the multiple vehicles on fire.

 

Access was gained on the front or “alpha” side with members extending hose lines and addressing the fire on the interior of the structure. Members at the recruits at the training station were involved in forcible entry and smoke removal, gaining great real-world experience of what they learn and train on while going through the yearlong training program.

 

Twenty minutes after arrival the bulk of the fire was extinguished on the interior and exterior with a few hot spots flaring up for a short period of time. Crews have picked up hose and are headed home to their stations.

The fire investigation unit is on scene. Cause is unknown currently. No injuries reported. RP on scene working with investigators and command officers.

 

There were 52 members of Portland Fire & Rescue assigned to this incident. PF&R thanks PPL, the dispatchers at BOEC, and PPB for their help in this incident.

 

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Attached Media Files: Switching bottles, stretching hose, trailer and vehicle after fire, shell of vehicle following extinguishment, long hose lay,

PF&R Responds To Multiple Vehicles And Structure Fire Overnight (Photo) - 08/04/26

PF&R responds to multiple vehicles and structure fire overnight

 

At 10:55 PM Portland Fire was dispatched to a fire of exact location unknown, but the early indicators were somewhere along NE Lombard with the first arriving rig discovering the best access to the visible fire was from NE Columbia and redirected all responders to the best access location

.

The first arriving crew, Engine 14, assumed command and began to establish an entry team and a water supply plan, with an electric fence slowing the entry process and the long hose lay required to stretch long around the large warehouse. Battalion Chief of District 2 arrived and took command and requested a second alarm assignment with reports of multiple vehicles and a tractor trailer on fire adjacent to the backside of this large warehouse in the Cully Neighborhood.

 

The electric fence was disabled by the Truck 8 crew access to the fireground was open for the hose lines and members to get to the fire. The recruits from Station 2 were in a perfect position to extend the bulk hose line around to entire building to begin extinguishing the 2 vehicles and tractor trailer adjacent to the building on the back or “Charlie” side of the structure. An additional line was extended to the back to have enough water to address the multiple vehicles on fire.

 

Access was gained on the front or “alpha” side with members extending hose lines and addressing the fire on the interior of the structure. Members at the recruits at the training station were involved in forcible entry and smoke removal, gaining great real-world experience of what they learn and train on while going through the yearlong training program.

 

Twenty minutes after arrival the bulk of the fire was extinguished on the interior and exterior with a few hot spots flaring up for a short period of time. Crews have picked up hose and are headed home to their stations.

The fire investigation unit is on scene. Cause is unknown currently. No injuries reported. RP on scene working with investigators and command officers.

 

There were 52 members of Portland Fire & Rescue assigned to this incident. PF&R thanks PPL, the dispatchers at BOEC, and PPB for their help in this incident.

 

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Attached Media Files: Switching bottles, stretching hose, trailer and vehicle after fire, shell of vehicle following extinguishment, long hose lay,

PF&R Responds To Commercial Fire At Former Columbia Mills Facility (Photo) - 08/03/26

PF&R responds to commercial fire at former Cenntenial Mills Facility

 

At 3:50 PM Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a commercial fire in the 1300 Block of NW Naito Parkway in the Pearl District. The incident rose to 4th alarm assignment placing nearly 100 members of PF&R on scene addressing the emergency. Nearly 2 hours after the incident was considered under control with many companies released to their home stations.

 

This 116-year-old 8-story former warehouse with a large water tower resting on the roof has been the site of previous responses with small fires in the thick timber flooring. Unlike previous responses with light smoke wisping out of a lower floor window, this response had heavy black and brown smoke pushing out under pressure from all sides of the structure. With this labeled as an unsafe building indicating interior firefighting is not permitted due to the danger presented by known holes in the flooring along with damaged and removed stairways, all firefighting actions are to be from the exterior using defensive fire attack tactics. The first arriving chief officer quickly requested a second alarm assignment placing just over 50 members on scene. The command officer quickly divided the building into small manageable divisions and placed a different officer in command of each to address what is labeled as the Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta Division, one for each side of the building. Fireboat 21 responded to assist in providing water if needed from the Willamette River and pump up to a truck or engine for use in the extinguishing process. Engines placed themselves on fire hydrants to pump significant amounts of water to the trucks positioned to use their elevated master streams to surround and drown the fire from a safe distance.

 

Unlike previous responses to this address, the fire extended vertically with heavy fire present throughout each floor with flames visible in nearly every window when looking from the North. With multiple reports of leaning walls, the heavy steel water tower structure on the roof, and concerns of structural collapse the command officer directed the members on scene to back away out of the collapse zone which is 1 ½ times the height of the building to ensure that all apparatus and members are out of harm’s way should the building fail. This significant amount of fire led to the collapse of each floor of the thick timber flooring placing much available fuel now in the bottom of the large masonry building that was now just funneling the flames and smoke upward like a large chimney. Roof failure occurred at one point just below the water tower with flames and smoke blasting out the top completely encapsulated the water tower structure for a short time.

 

The flames were actively pushing fire brands and large embers floating into the sky and dropping down on the roofs of neighboring buildings, into nearby trees, and onto many patches of dry vegetation starting many spot fires throughout the area. Two brush units (2-person fire apparatus with a smaller tank and complement of hose) were requested to the scene and were labeled Wildland Division adding another division to the incident. The Wildland division and crews with available hose lines were actively addressing these smaller fires and working to ensure none of the flames extended into any neighboring structures.

The command officer began to reduce the number of companies and apparatus at the incident scene about 90 minutes into the effort with all water from the master streams stopped at nearly the 2-hour mark with most of the flames extinguished. Except for a single master stream option that requires an engine and a truck to remain on scene, all other rigs picked up their hose lines and returned to their home stations.

There are hot spots that will continue to flare up overnight producing smoke and flames with crews operating in a fire watch crew on scene will address these as they arise. PF&R will operate this fire watch through the night and into tomorrow as needed.

 

The Scappoose Fire District Aviation Team will fly their unmanned aircraft throughout the building tomorrow to map the entire structure assisting the Portland Fire Investigations Unit in hopes of determining cause. The 3D mapping will also be provided to the City Building Engineer to help in determining the integrity of the structure and aiding in determining decisions for the future of the former warehouse. NW Naito will remain closed until determined safe due to the potential of structural collapse. The 3D mapping and a possible site inspection by the City Engineer will further determine the future of the structure and the length of any street closure.

 

Portland Fire would like to thank PPB for their assistance in crowd control and blocking the roadway for the safety of the community and firefighters on scene. Additional thanks to the dispatchers at BOEC for helping us in the long, drawn-out incident. Lastly, thanks to the Portland Water Bureau for directing more water to the portion of the grid used in the suppression efforts.

 

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Update:

Portland Fire Investigations Unit is working with CHAIS, an non-profit K9 detection team that are trained to identify human remains. The K9 Team has performed their first sweep of the incident and did not come up with a positive hit. The team will perform another sweep of the incident area in 48-72 hours for more definitive information about the possibilities of human remains on the interior of the structure. 

 

Portland Fire will remain the custodian of the property until the foresic investigation of the location is completed and will then transfer custody to the appropriate bureau. If the City Engineer determines the building poses a signficant risk of collapse and must come down prior to the completion of the investigation, PF&R will work with PP&D and other city bureaus involved to continue the investigation while active demolition occurs. 

 

PBOT and PF&R want to remind the community that this is a potentially extremely dangerous situation with the large water tower complex resting on the walls at the top of this building. NW Naito is closed from NW 9th to NW 15th. Local access will be provided to residents to access their homes in the area but all pedestrian, bike, and vehicular traffic must use the established detour. Please follow signs to remain out of the collapse zone. This may be an add time to your commute or activity so please plan accordingly. Visit PBOT for more specific information about planned and efficient detours.

 

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Attached Media Files: IMG_0505.jpeg, IMG_0514.jpeg, IMG_1240.jpeg, IMG_1241.jpeg, IMG_1251.jpeg, IMG_9545.JPEG,

PF&R Responds To Commercial Fire At Former Columbia Mills Facility (Photo) - 08/03/26

PF&R responds to commercial fire at former Cenntenial Mills Facility

 

At 3:50 PM Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a commercial fire in the 1300 Block of NW Naito Parkway in the Pearl District. The incident rose to 4th alarm assignment placing nearly 100 members of PF&R on scene addressing the emergency. Nearly 2 hours after the incident was considered under control with many companies released to their home stations.

 

This 116-year-old 8-story former warehouse with a large water tower resting on the roof has been the site of previous responses with small fires in the thick timber flooring. Unlike previous responses with light smoke wisping out of a lower floor window, this response had heavy black and brown smoke pushing out under pressure from all sides of the structure. With this labeled as an unsafe building indicating interior firefighting is not permitted due to the danger presented by known holes in the flooring along with damaged and removed stairways, all firefighting actions are to be from the exterior using defensive fire attack tactics. The first arriving chief officer quickly requested a second alarm assignment placing just over 50 members on scene. The command officer quickly divided the building into small manageable divisions and placed a different officer in command of each to address what is labeled as the Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta Division, one for each side of the building. Fireboat 21 responded to assist in providing water if needed from the Willamette River and pump up to a truck or engine for use in the extinguishing process. Engines placed themselves on fire hydrants to pump significant amounts of water to the trucks positioned to use their elevated master streams to surround and drown the fire from a safe distance.

 

Unlike previous responses to this address, the fire extended vertically with heavy fire present throughout each floor with flames visible in nearly every window when looking from the North. With multiple reports of leaning walls, the heavy steel water tower structure on the roof, and concerns of structural collapse the command officer directed the members on scene to back away out of the collapse zone which is 1 ½ times the height of the building to ensure that all apparatus and members are out of harm’s way should the building fail. This significant amount of fire led to the collapse of each floor of the thick timber flooring placing much available fuel now in the bottom of the large masonry building that was now just funneling the flames and smoke upward like a large chimney. Roof failure occurred at one point just below the water tower with flames and smoke blasting out the top completely encapsulated the water tower structure for a short time.

 

The flames were actively pushing fire brands and large embers floating into the sky and dropping down on the roofs of neighboring buildings, into nearby trees, and onto many patches of dry vegetation starting many spot fires throughout the area. Two brush units (2-person fire apparatus with a smaller tank and complement of hose) were requested to the scene and were labeled Wildland Division adding another division to the incident. The Wildland division and crews with available hose lines were actively addressing these smaller fires and working to ensure none of the flames extended into any neighboring structures.

The command officer began to reduce the number of companies and apparatus at the incident scene about 90 minutes into the effort with all water from the master streams stopped at nearly the 2-hour mark with most of the flames extinguished. Except for a single master stream option that requires an engine and a truck to remain on scene, all other rigs picked up their hose lines and returned to their home stations.

There are hot spots that will continue to flare up overnight producing smoke and flames with crews operating in a fire watch crew on scene will address these as they arise. PF&R will operate this fire watch through the night and into tomorrow as needed.

 

The Scappoose Fire District Aviation Team will fly their unmanned aircraft throughout the building tomorrow to map the entire structure assisting the Portland Fire Investigations Unit in hopes of determining cause. The 3D mapping will also be provided to the City Building Engineer to help in determining the integrity of the structure and aiding in determining decisions for the future of the former warehouse. NW Naito will remain closed until determined safe due to the potential of structural collapse. The 3D mapping and a possible site inspection by the City Engineer will further determine the future of the structure and the length of any street closure.

 

Portland Fire would like to thank PPB for their assistance in crowd control and blocking the roadway for the safety of the community and firefighters on scene. Additional thanks to the dispatchers at BOEC for helping us in the long, drawn-out incident. Lastly, thanks to the Portland Water Bureau for directing more water to the portion of the grid used in the suppression efforts.

 

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Update:

Portland Fire Investigations Unit is working with CHAIS, an non-profit K9 detection team that are trained to identify human remains. The K9 Team has performed their first sweep of the incident and did not come up with a positive hit. The team will perform another sweep of the incident area in 48-72 hours for more definitive information about the possibilities of human remains on the interior of the structure. 

 

Portland Fire will remain the custodian of the property until the foresic investigation of the location is completed and will then transfer custody to the appropriate bureau. If the City Engineer determines the building poses a signficant risk of collapse and must come down prior to the completion of the investigation, PF&R will work with PP&D and other city bureaus involved to continue the investigation while active demolition occurs. 

 

PBOT and PF&R want to remind the community that this is a potentially extremely dangerous situation with the large water tower complex resting on the walls at the top of this building. NW Naito is closed from NW 9th to NW 15th. Local access will be provided to residents to access their homes in the area but all pedestrian, bike, and vehicular traffic must use the established detour. Please follow signs to remain out of the collapse zone. This may be an add time to your commute or activity so please plan accordingly. Visit PBOT for more specific information about planned and efficient detours.

 

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Attached Media Files: IMG_0505.jpeg, IMG_0514.jpeg, IMG_1240.jpeg, IMG_1241.jpeg, IMG_1251.jpeg, IMG_9545.JPEG,