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News Release

Portland Fire Responds To 2nd Alarm Fire In NW Industrial Area (Photo) -07/11/25

Just after 6:45 PM, Portland Fire was dispatched to the NW Industrial Area on reports of a Commercial Building fire.   Responding crews noted a heavy black header (large column of smoke), while enroute.  Initial dispatch information noted several callers reported this fire.

The first arriving engine confirmed a large fire that appeared to be trash, possibly tires, and surrounding grass, brush and blackberries.  It did not appear that any structures were involved, and further investigation confirmed that no structures were involved but with the heavy fire and wind there was threat to some nearby buildings. 

This turned out to be a fire at an abandoned commercial property with thick vegetation and evidence of transient camps.  A second alarm was called due to the size of the scene and gusty winds blowing fire brands and starting spot fires.  Truck companies were used to check roofs of nearby large commercial buildings and to apply large amounts of water from aerial master streams.

Crews will be on-scene for a while to be sure all hot spots are extinguished and the deep-seated brush fire is fully extinguished.  Portland Fire and Rescue would like to extend a special thank you to Portland Police Bureau Air 1 for their assistance with providing valuable information to crews about the fire direction of travel and spot fire locations.

Suspect Arrested In AM 4-Alarm Fire -07/11/25

Suspect Arrested in AM 4-Alarm Fire

 

After much investigation one of the residents of the apartment building by the PPB-PFR Fire Investigations Unit, Shaun Szwarz, DOB 04/23/85, has been arrested on:

  • 6 counts Arson 1
  • 6 counts Reckless Endangering
  • 6 counts Criminal Mischief 1

Two victims from the apartment building are still in the hospital with serious injuries to include 2nd and 3rd degree burns, inhalation injuries, fractured vertebrate, and ankle.  Several residents of the apartment complex had to be rescued by PF&R, and at least four residents jumped from upper floor windows to escape the fire.   

 

The investigation is still very active and any witnesses to the fire or other victims that have not spoken to Portland Fire & Rescue Investigators or PPB, please contact Det. Meredith Hopper Meredith.hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov

 

The combined PPB-PFR Fire Investigations Unit would like to thank the Oregon State Police Accelerant Detection K9 Team who provided invaluable assistance in this case.

 

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Busy Morning For Portland Fire & Rescue (Photo) -07/11/25

Busy Morning for Portland Fire & Rescue

Fourth Alarm Apartment Fire with a modified single family home fire quickly to follow

 

Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched out to a multi occupancy fire at just before 6 AM earlier today. Reports from the dispatch center indicated heavy fire present with occupants of the apartment complex jumping from windows to safety. This fire was reported to be in the Hazelwood Neighborhood along Burnside near 104th Avenue. Dispatch updates as crews were enroute include “I have a caller on the line saying fire at their door” with others saying, “people are jumping from the second story windows” and “I have a caller seeing and smelling smoke from below and hearing lots of shouting”.

 

Portland Fire & Rescue Station 7, located approximately 25 blocks away, arrived to have heavy fire showing on a three-story apartment complex located at the north end of a parking lot approximately 150’ back from the street with people out at the street obviously injured. PPB Officers were already on scene clearing members of the community out of the working area for PF&R members to successfully focus on the work of rescue and suppression. Additionally, early communication from PPB Officers to crew members on scene directed firefighters to possible locations of rescue.

 

Engine 7 pulled into the parking area located behind a smaller structure at the street and pulled in as close as possible given the heavy fire present and filled the parking lot. Members of the crew began working toward establishing a water supply with E19 having triple ported a fire hydrant and connecting 2 hoses to provide the required amount of water needed to begin to suppress and cool the flames. A Triple Port set up allows for an additional hose line to be attached to hydrant to provide more water if needed. In this case the additional hose was not needed but a heads up move on the part of the water supply team to be forward thinking and prepare for the incident to get worse before it gets better.

 

Truck 7 quickly threw ladders to elevated windows with fire pushing out below them to affect rescue of occupants on the third level while also investigating the entire building to report information to the arriving Battalion Chief. As the rescues were occurring, members of Engine 7 grabbed large bore nozzle hose lines and began to apply water of the front of the complex, putting water into as many openings as possible, cooling and exitinguishing flames to provide safety for those remaining in the structure.

 

After establishing a water supply the members of Engine 19 were assigned to medical branch and began addressing the injured residents out at the street. There were two patients in need of medical attention at this time but the possibility of many more injuries led to command ordering 2 independent strike teams of ambulances totaling 10 AMR ambulances on scene or enroute to this emergency. One of the victims had jumped from an elevated position, injuring with a possible break of the ankle, along with partial thickness burns to the upper leg. The second occupant to be addressed medically early in the incident was reported to have smaller contact singe burns on their arm.

 

Once the initial reduction of flames occurred and early rescues were performed, many hoses were stretched to the structure and crews went interior to address the fire within the building. This building has 3 levels and 12 occupancies with the front 6 having much fire activity throughout. Burned wooden stairs led to clever use of ladders to be laid over the top of the burned treads from one landing to the next to successfully ascend from the ground level to the 3rd floor with hose lines.

 

As interior fire suppression activities happened, Truck 2 with new recruits supervised by their training specialists made rescue of 6 occupants trapped in elevated apartments. This real world “on the job training” opportunity will provide these newest members a great foundation of experience to build from throughout their careers.

 

As rescues and suppression efforts moved forward, dispatchers communicated to command there was a family trapped in their apartment located in an area unaffected by fire, but they were unable to safely exit to the street due to fire present in other areas of the building. Crews made contact, had them shelter in place briefly and then escorted them to the street, a safe distance from the structure. This speaks to the critical assistance on incidents like this from our public safety partners at the dispatch center along with the importance of sheltering in a safe place, if possible, behind closed doors but not hiding.

 

As crews were working toward suppression and rescue, the command officer elevated this incident to a 4th alarm assignment to ensure there was a large enough body of firefighters on scene to address the emergency. This draws close to 80 members from PF&R along with Gresham Fire to the scene leaving a large hole within the city. The PF&R Liaison Officer made the decision to move engines and trucks from areas of the city unaffected by this fire to move up into areas on the east side to ensure that all other emergencies that may occur during the time of this active fire would have a responder close by. Crews from downtown were placed out east, crews from SW were moved closer in, and crews from the north end were also brought into different stations to provide proper coverage of the city allowing us to manage the risk as best possible. There was also a crew from Lake Oswego Fire that moved up into a station in deep SW Portland to provide coverage.

 

The cause of this fire is still under investigation with the PF&R-PPB Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) having detained an individual for questioning. Any updates on the process of the investigation will be sent out as they come in. If you have any information regarding this fire, please contact 503-823-FIRE (3473).

 

There were 2 individuals injured in this fire. Along with the 8 humans rescued, PF&R also rescued 1 cat and 4 dogs. There will be at a minimum of 15 individuals displaced because of this fire with a possibility of an additional 16 because of structural damage and safe access to apartments. Red Cross has arrived on scene as is taking a lead on assisting occupants with relocation.

 

PF&R would like to thank all our partners in this incident as each was instrumental in providing us the assistance needed to safely address this fire. PPB aiding early on in helping in rescue and providing us a safe working area, Gresham Fire for their mutual aid response to the scene and Lake Oswego Fire in moving up into Portland to provide coverage, AMR for their assistance in medical triage and making transport as well as having 10 ambulances moving to the scene if needed along with Red Cross aiding in the relocation of occupants. Lastly it is important to mention the assistance from TriMet as they stopped the MaxLine trains running directly in front of this location as there were hose lines laying across the tracks from a secondary fire hydrant used and crews in and around the tracks working.

 

As crews were returning to their station to clean up from this early morning fire, another residential fire was reported in NE Portland in the Cully Neighborhood. Crews from Station 28 arrived to find a modified single-family home that now was divided up into 4 different occupancies with residents out in front with dark brown smoke pushing out under pressure and flames seen on the back side of the home.

 

A water supply was established and crews went to work suppressing the flames and extinguishing this fire. Crews that were moved up from downtown responded to this fire and performed work illustrating the importance of the Liaison Officer moving crews around to provide appropriate coverage in our response area.

 

Crews searched the structure, located all occupants, confirmed no one remaining in the interior and extinguished the fire quickly. No injuries were reported of resident or responder.

This fire was contained to one of the units in the back with a possibility of a front unit experiencing some damage as crews were investigating the attic space above for possible fire spread. This fire is under investigation and the cause is unknown. There will be 2 occupants displaced with the addition of another if the damage to the interior deemed unsafe for occupancy.

 

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Portland Fire – BOEC – 311 Firework Season Data -07/10/25

Portland Fire – BOEC – 311 Firework Season Data 

 

The 2025 Fireworks Season, from June 23 – July 6, along with Independence Day (July 4), itself, has historically been a time of elevated use of the emergency and public safety system. Those who call 911 to report fireworks divert resources from members of the community with true emergencies (fires, significant medical emergencies, and motor vehicle crashes) and delays response from the proper public safety agency. This has an impact on all first responders during emergencies when seconds matter.  

 

In 2022, the Portland City Council unanimously voted in favor of a personal fireworks ban following a tragic triple fatality fire in 2021 and on the heels of the Eagle Creek Fire in the Gorge in 2017 that was due to personal fireworks. This ban was put in place for the overall safety in Portland, in hopes of reducing injuries and fires over this season where the tradition is to sell and use personal fireworks.  

 

Data shows an improvement of the number of fires and injuries caused by fireworks compared to past years and a reduction to calls to 911 to report fireworks. 

 

This year, the City of Portland created an online form for community members to report fireworks use without tying up critical resources at the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), allowing emergency services to respond more quickly to active emergencies. The data obtained will be analyzed for improvements to public education. Reports may also be used to identify the source or cause of a fire that caused damage as the PF&R Investigations Unit continues to work through all the fires that occurred throughout the fireworks season. 

 

Below is the data of fires throughout the firework season.  

Year 

Fireworks Season Fires 

Fireworks caused fires 

Injuries due to fireworks 

July 4th Fires 

Fires cause by fireworks 

Injuries due to fireworks 

2025 

263 

27 

0 

29 

9 

0 

2024 

186 

29 

0 

38 

14 

0 

2023 

336 

46 

0 

67 

30 

0 

2022* 

224 

10 

0 

20 

3 

0 

2021 

307 

15 

4 (3 fatalities) 

31 

3 

4 (3 fatalities) 

2020 

223 

44 

1 

36 

18 

0 

*-2022 is the first year of the ban on sale and use of personal fireworks. 

 

The reporting form was successful in diverting calls from BOEC, allowing the dispatchers to focus their attention on receiving and dispatching true emergencies. Average wait times for those calling 911 improved by 8 seconds – from an average 26-second wait times in 2024 to an average 18-second wait times in 2025. In addition to the improved wait times, BOEC experienced a 13 percent drop in calls to 911 on July 4 – from 2,305 calls in 2024 to 2,015 calls in 2025, This drop in incoming calls allows for quicker dispatches to emergencies and can have a huge impact on emergency response. 

 

The online documenting form, created in partnership with PDX 311, received 4,590 reports of firework use between the launch of the form (roughly midnight on July 1) through today. This data will be evaluated to improve upon the ability of all public safety agencies to address the use of personal fireworks, including increased education in areas of heavy use. To assist community members on July 4, PDX 311 staffed its customer service call center. 311 received 600 calls between 5 p.m. and midnight on July 4. Customer service representatives spoke with 140 community members who needed assistance filing report. PDX 311 is the first point of contact for the City of Portland and Multnomah County. Staff help community members report nonemergency issues, request services and get answers to their questions, seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

 

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PF&R Extinguish 3 Intentionally Set Fires – Suspect In Custody (Photo) -07/10/25

PF&R extinguish 3 intentionally set fires – suspect in custody

 

At 11:16 AM Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a possible vegetation fire on the border of the Overlook and Arbor Lodge Neighborhoods along the bluff area that overlooks Swan Island and the Willamette River. This bluff area is filled with natural vegetation of tall dry grasses and large well-established trees.

 

Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 24 arrived at multiple grass and vegetation fires and was able to observe a suspect coming from the immediate area of one of the fires. As they watched the suspect flee and contacted PPB officers to search for the fire setter. The engine officer requested for PPB to respond to the scene in hopes of apprehending the suspect and provided the dispatch center with a good description of the suspect.

 

Engine 24 was quick in cooling and extinguishing the flames present in each unique location and prevented what could have been a large fire that ran the entire distance of the bluff as this area is currently filled with much fuel composed of these tall dry grasses and other vegetation. Along with the available fuels, the warmer weather and breezy conditions compound the fire dangers. The quick actions were certain to have prevented what would have been a larger fire that would have required many more resources.

 

PPB Officers responded to the area in question and using the description provided by the fire crews, was able to detain the suspect. The PF&R Fire Investigation Unit responded and took over the investigation.  The suspect, 41-year-old Joel Eipwon, was arrested on three counts of Arson in the First Degree. 

 

This bluff area has been designated protected property with a high fire danger and injury potential due to the well-known unhoused population, the permanent homes that sit at the top of the ridge, and the high use recreational trails throughout. This property designation allows the FIU to assign a charge of Arson 1 in each of these fires. The image attached clearly shows the area with all three fire locations noted. You can see the industrual complex of Swan Island downslope, the many high use recreational trails, the varied vegetation (from a time when the area was still "green"), and the residential neighborhood at the top of the slope. Had PF&R crews been unable to stop this fire quickly, the impact of the area could have been quite significant.

 

Any witnesses to these fires please contact Det. Meredith Hopper Meredith.hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov

 

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to remind those in the community that in the conditions we are currently experiencing, with warmer weather, winds, and abundant dry fuels, any use of open flame can lead to a catastrophic emergency. Although these fires may not fall under the same guidelines used when establishing the burn ban, it is a good reminder that any open flame use can lead to an undesired outcome. Please be cautious when discarding any smoking materials, properly cool and dispose of BBQ briquettes, and ensure that all travel trailer safety chains clear the roadway. One small spark or undesired hot spot can lead to a large preventable incident.

 

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PF&R To Send 25 Members To Honor Ceremony In Idaho (Photo) -07/08/25

PF&R to send 25 members to Honor Ceremony in Idaho

Media Invite

  • Wednesday July 9
  • 7:45 AM
  • 4800 NE 122nd – PF&R Training Yard
     

Portland Fire & Rescue will be sending nearly 25 members to attend and participate in the ceremony to honor Coeur d’Alene Fire Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank J. Harwood, 52. These two firefighters were ambushed and killed while responding to a brush fire outside of Coeur d’Alene last week.

 

PF&R will be sending members to attend as a part of 3 different groups. There will be members selected at random to be a part of our official funeral platoon, another group representing the PF&R Honor Guard, and finally a large contingent of the Pipes & Drums Band.

 

We are humbled to be asked to aid in honoring the lives of these 2 members of our profession who were senselessly attacked while responding to the communities they served. It is a great honor to participate in these memorial services and aiding in any possible closure for the families and others so personally affected by such a tragic event.

 

The caravan will be leaving the training yard at 0830 or earlier to make their required arrival time. Members will be available to communicate to the media if there is a desire. PF&R Lead PIO Rick Graves will be present to make all needed connections and coordinate any media present.

PF&R Responds To Fire Caused By A Firework (Photo) -07/01/25

PF&R responds to fire caused by a firework

 

At just after 1 PM, as Portland Fire & Rescue was hosting a press conference discussing the personal firework ban in the City of Portland, a fire broke out in the Hazelwood Neighborhood of East Portland. Initial reports indicated a large row of arbor vitae were on fire with information about a large audible boom prior to the discovery of the fire.

 

Crews responded and confirmed a large row of arbor vitae on fire that was beginning to extend to the adjacent home along with the playground area of the neighboring school. An additional exposure concern was the row of arbor vitae were directly under overhead powerlines with the flames impinging causing another challenge for crews during the fire suppression efforts. Had the fire severed the line, a live electrical wire would have been dropped in the middle of the fire scene posing increased dangers to the responding and working firefighters on scene.

 

Quick extinguishment occurred and the fire did very little damage to the home and the occupants will not be displaced. Crews did have a need to cut a hole in the roof to be certain fire had not extended into the attic which will not displace the residents but there will need to have some repairs performed on the home. Additionally, damage to the playground of the school occurred which will require an evaluation of the equipment by a professional prior to further use authorized.

 

Following the extinguishment crews were approached by witnesses of the fire that there were youth in the area lighting fireworks which initiated a response from the PF&R Fire Investigations Unit. After a forensic evaluation a personal firework was found in the charred soil underneath the remains of the arbor vitae row. This act of fireworks use is an arrestable offense with the FIU working with the residents and school for any video footage to aid in identifying any suspect(s). This offense itself is possession and use of illegal fireworks (Class B Misdemeanor), 2 counts of arson in the second degree (Class C Felony), and 2 counts of arson in the first degree (Class A Felony).

 

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to use this incident as a reminder that fireworks are dangerous that can cause injury or property damage and is the primary reason the personal firework ban was put in place back in 2022 coming off the heels of a triple fatality fire confirmed to have been caused by personal fireworks usage. Individuals will be held liable if using a personal firework that has been determined to have caused damage or an injury, with fines and jail time possible.

 

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Public Safety Service Area Fireworks Season Informational Press Conference -06/26/25

 

Public Safety Service Area Fireworks Season Informational Press Conference

Media Invitation 

  • 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025 

  • Portland Fire Station 21 – 5 SE Madison Street – East side of Willamette River at the Hawthorne Bridge 

  • Firework Season Information 

 

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) will host an informational press conference at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 to discuss issues associated with Portland’s “fireworks season.”  

 

In the spring of 2022, the City Council passed a unanimous ban on the use and sale of personal use fireworks within the city limits of Portland. Personal fireworks usage and displays continue to be illegal in Portland. 

 

The City of Portland has launched a new online reporting tool at portland.gov/fireworks. This will be the place to report fireworks. The new form is meant to collect information about fireworks for public safety partners to identify hotspots and help with future public education to achieve greater compliance with Portland’s fireworks ban. 311 will be staffed on the evening of July 4 to support the community who need assistance using the tool. 

 

Portland City Councilor Steve Novick; Dr. Jonathan Betlinski, Public Psychiatry Director at OHSU; Dr. Steve Kochis, Chief Medical Officer and Interim CEO at Oregon Humane Society; and Navy Veteran Malcolm Hoover will discuss how fireworks affect the people and pets in our community.  

 

PF&R and Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC/911) Public Information Officers (PIOs) will discuss the impacts of fireworks on first responders and our community. 

 

Speakers: 

  • PF&R PIO Rick Graves 

  • BOEC PIO Jaymee Cuti 

  • Portland City Councilor Steve Novick 

  • Dr. Jonathan Betlinski, Public Psychiatry Director at OHSU 

  • Navy Veteran and Parks & Recreation employee Malcolm Hoover 

  • Dr. Steve Kochis, Chief Medical Officer and Interim CEO, Oregon Humane Society. 

 

On an average day, 911 can get up to 200 calls during our busiest hour. On July 4, that number can double to 400 calls an hour. 911 is for emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life and property. Please do not call 911 to report firework use. Use the new online tool at portlandoregon.gov/fireworks. 

 

PF&R encourages all within the city limits to adhere to the ban. Each year, PF&R responds to many fires and injuries that can be avoided by adhering to the ban.  

 

Your public safety partners encourage you to connect with your friends and family on July 4, enjoy time together and safely celebrate Independence Day by planning ahead to attend local, professional fireworks displays. Learn more at www.portland.gov/fireworks.  

 

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PF&R To Name Rescue Boat In Honor Of Jerry Richardson (Photo) -06/26/25

PF&R to name Rescue Boat in honor of Jerry Richardson

  • Monday June 30th
  • 9:30 AM
  • James Gleason Boat Ramp – 4325 NE Marine Drive

On November 19th, 2021, Portland Fire & Rescue experienced a significant loss to the organization when Lieutenant Jerry Richardson passed away from occupationally connected cancer. Lt. Richardson was hired by Portland Fire and Rescue in 1999 and served at several stations, working his last assignment at Station 17 serving the Hayden Island area in the Marine Program. To permanently recognize Lt. Richardson and all his contributions to our organization and his lifetime of service, PF&R is naming Rescue Boat 17 in his honor with a ceremony on Monday June 30th at the James Gleason Memorial Boat Dock on the Columbia River.

 

Jerry’s life of service started as a junior at Selah High School where he volunteered at Selah Fire Department. After graduating high school in 1984 Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force where he became an airbase firefighter for four years. After Jerry’s military service he enrolled in the paramedic program at Central Washington University. Jerry started his professional firefighting career with Cottage Grove Fire in 1992. Jerry’s service to the residents of Lane County ended after 7 years when his desire to serve a larger community led him to Portland Fire & Rescue in December of 1999. Jerry promoted to Lieutenant in June of 2007 where he served in many capacities including the Medical Services Division along with a specialist within the Marine Program of the Emergency Operations Division. Along with his life of service, Jerry provided an example of service to his own family with his son following in his footsteps into the fire service as a Firefighter for the City of Spokane.

 

Please join us in recognizing Lt Jerry Richardson as we name Rescue Boat 17 in his honor. The ceremony will have dignitaries from PF&R speaking along with the unveiling of the name on the Rescue Boat.

PF&R To Host The Annual David Campbell Memorial Ceremony - June 26 - 10 AM - Lone Fir Cemetery (Photo) -06/24/25

PF&R and DCMA host the Annual David Campbell Memorial Ceremony
Media and Community Invitation

  • David Campbell Memorial Ceremony
  • 10 AM
  • June 26
  • Firefighter section of Lone Fir Cemetery – 649 SE 26th

Portland Fire & Rescue along with the David Campbell Memorial Association will host the annual David Campbell Memorial Ceremony on Thursday June 26 in the Firefighter Section of the Lone Fir Cemetery located at 649 SE 26th at 10 AM. Media and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

 

This event honors the 77 Portland Firefighters who have died while serving the City of Portland. In addition to the tolling of the bells for each member that passed away, there will be some significant awards presented by the DCMA for outstanding valor over the past year for members that were on duty along with recognizing a member for their off-duty valor.

 

The David Campbell Memorial Association (DCMA) is the caretaker of the legacy and memory of Portland Firefighters who have given their lives in service to the citizens of Portland, Oregon. The DCMA was established in 1913, two years after the death of Fire Chief David Campbell.  Their goal was to safeguard the memory of Chief Campbell and award medals of valor for acts of bravery by Portland Firefighters that exemplified Chief Campbell himself.  

 

The on-duty valor award named in honor of Fire Chief Campbell will be awarded this year to a crew that exhibited incredible bravery on a residential emergency response this past winter. The David Kingsley Award, recognizing a member for their off-duty valor will also be presented this year with members of the Kingsley Family present. David Kingsley, like Campbell, in a remarkably selfless act during WWll, gave his parachute to a fellow squadron member so they could survive an imminent plane crash while Kingsley rode the plane into the ground. These awards are not given out each year, so to have both the Campbell and the Kingsley presented is quite remarkable.

 

The location this year will be in the Firefighter Section of the Lone Fir Cemetery. With significant vandalism to the David Campbell Memorial within Portland Firefighters Park on W. Burnside, the event will be held at Lone Fir. DCMA is in talks with the City of Portland and community members in the attempt of raising funds to repair and upgrade the park and memorial.

 

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City Of Portland Ban On The Sale And Use Of Personal Fireworks. (Photo) -06/23/25

City of Portland ban on the sale and use of personal fireworks.

 

In the spring of 2022, the City Council passed a unanimous ban on the use and sale of personal use fireworks within the city limits of Portland. This was on the heels of a fire ending in a triple fatality within the city in 2001 and the memory of the Eagle Creek Fire in the gorge still quite fresh that was also started using personal fireworks. PF&R along with all other fire agencies respond to personal tragedy every year because of firework use that can all be avoided.

 

The City of Portland Fireworks Ban addresses the sale and use of ALL personal fireworks within the City Limit. Purchasing a personal firework item outside the city and returning to Portland is not legal per the ban. Please begin to plan for a safe and enjoyable Independence Day with your family, extended family and friends, neighbors and entire community with picnics, hikes, BBQ’s and neighborhood gatherings.

 

We were all reminded of the realities when fire hits major communities earlier this year with the multiple large fires that devastated the Los Angeles area. While it is unknown how either the Palisades or Eaton fire started, it doesn’t matter to those who lost their loved ones, homes, personal possessions as fire is fire and can be an incredibly destructive force. We can reduce and eliminate fire damage and casualties by adhering to the local fireworks ban.

 

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to encourage all within the city limits to adhere to the ban as each year, we respond to many fires and injuries through the fireworks season that starts today on June 23-July 6 that can be avoided by adhering to the Fireworks Ban put into place for the safety of you and all those in our community. We encourage you to connect with your friends and family on July 4, enjoy time together as you celebrate the 249th Independence Day and make plans to attend professional fireworks display in the area.

 

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BURN BAN TO BEGIN JUNE 23, 2025 -06/20/25

BURN BAN TO BEGIN JUNE 23, 2025


A burn ban has been issued by the Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal to begin on June 23, 2025, due to forecasted summer high temperatures, projected limited rainfall, and expected dry conditions. The burn ban includes recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris, agricultural burning and permits issued for open burning until further notice. The burn ban will remain in effect throughout the summer weather season.

 

Outdoor barbecuing (grills, smokers, and similar cooking appliances with clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels) are allowed; however, residents should exercise extreme caution. When using charcoal briquettes, please properly dispose of the 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.

 

Ensure all cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking objects are extinguished prior to disposal.

 

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. 

 

Contact Portland Fire & Rescue 503-823-3700 for additional information.

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PF&R Responds To Large Grass Fire In N. Portland (Photo) -06/16/25

PF&R responds to large grass fire in N. Portland

 

At just before 7PM, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a possible grass fire with a caller reporting seeing smoke from a grass field. The location of the field is to the North of the Cintas Warehouse located in the 12300 block of N. Columbia. Engine 22 arrived to a large field (400’x600’ with a distinct slope heading to the west with a few deciduous trees randomly placed throughout) to have fire running nearly the length of the field in light fuels that was beginning to impinge upon the cyclone fencing surrounding the warehouse.

 

With the large amount of fire, the command officer balanced this vegetation fire to a Wildland Box Assignment to have enough personnel with the correct equipment to address the fire. With the location of this incident, all help is coming from the south and in one case, a rig responded SW Portland with their specialized brush unit used to gain access to fire across soft soils.

 

There was a light wind out of the north that pushed the fire up against a cyclone fence and ignited a large wooden storage shed on the interior of the warehouse property. Crews diverted from the grass fire to address this structure to prevent this from growing to consume an additional structure or the fleet of Cintas vans in the adjacent parking lot. With heavy fire and the unknown contents of the interior of the shed, the command officer directed a defensive fire operation to use large streams of water to extinguish the fire from the exterior. The wooden roof structure collapsed to reveal 2 large metal con-ex containers that were housed in what was now a burned up wooden shell. Crews kept the fire to the shed structure and prevented the extension of fire to adjacent structures and vehicles.

 

As the engines were addressing the shed, the brush units and personal ATV’s extinguished the fire in the grass field. Within an hour the crews totaling nearly 30 firefighters had eliminated all the flames present and had ensured the shed was completely extinguished.

 

Portland Fire Investigations Unit has responded and is performing their forensic investigation to determine cause. It was determined the contents of the large steel storage containers were paper products and metal valves and do not pose an environmental hazard. No reported injuries.

 

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Second Alarm Fire At Jopp Wood Recycling (Photo) -06/14/25

Just after 6:45 PM, 9-1-1 received a call to an industrial area of the St John’s Neighborhood in North Portland. Initial reports from the caller stated that a large pile of wood products was on fire and that no homes or structures were threatened.

 

The first arriving Engine and Truck Companies from St John’s arrived within minutes of being dispatched. The Engine officer took command of the incident and reported a large pile of pallets and wood debris with smoke throughout the pile. Crews were very aware of this location as a year ago, in April 2024, a similar fire broke out. With this prior knowledge and experience, the first due Truck immediately set up its aerial ladder for an elevated master stream. This elevated master stream allows firefighters to direct water to the seat of the fire from above.

 

As additional units arrived, the first Chief Officer took Command. Incident Command then assigned the on-scene resources to the following tasks: establish a water supply, recon the area to ensure no exposures were present, confirm the best access to the different areas of the wood pile, and set up for additional aerial master streams.

 

Fire crews worked with site personnel, who were called back to the site, to spread out the wood pile and extinguish any hot spots. This was accomplished with the use of some heavy machinery and excavators that were already on site and were operated by the location’s employees. Three engines and three trucks remained on the scene for an additional time after the incident was recalled to ensure extinguishment. There were no injuries reported during this incident and no residents were displaced.

 

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank our partners with the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), Portland Water Bureau, and Port of Portland Terminal 4. At the height of the incident, the following fire resources responded:

                Engines – 7

                Trucks – 3

                Chief Officers – 3

                Rehab Unit – 1  

                PIO – 1

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