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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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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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

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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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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 4^th 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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Two-Alarm Highrise Fire In NE Portland (Photo) - 07/25/26

Shortly after 1:30 p.m. today, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a reported kitchen fire in a 14th-floor apartment on East Burnside Street between 2nd and 3rd avenues.

The resident of this apartment safely evacuated and called 911 to report that his kitchen was on fire. Firefighters faced access challenges because a street fair occupied the east side of the building. The Portland Police Bureau helped manage traffic so that fire crews could reach the scene.

When firefighters arrived, they saw smoke coming from a 14th-floor window and sent crews inside to investigate. Alarm bells were ringing, and residents were safely evacuating the apartments. Because the fire was in a high-rise building and smoke was visible, the incident commander called for a second alarm to bring in additional resources should the fire spread. Inside the apartment, firefighters found the building's automatic sprinkler system had extinguished the bulk of the fire, preventing it from spreading. Crews shut off the sprinkler system, cleared smoke from the apartment, and worked to reduce water damage.

The resident was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation but declined further medical care. A Portland Fire & Rescue investigator determined the fire was accidental. Combustible materials left on the stove caught fire after a stove knob was accidentally turned on. This incident highlights the importance of automatic fire sprinkler systems, which quickly controlled the fire, limited damage, and helped keep residents and firefighters safe.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds everyone to keep combustible items away from stovetops. Even when a stove isn't being used, accidentally turning on a burner can quickly start a fire.

Lightning Strike Causes Commercial Warehouse Fire In Kenton Neighborhood (Photo) - 07/23/26

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) responded to a commercial warehouse fire in Portland's Kenton neighborhood after lightning struck the roof of the building, igniting a small fire.

When firefighters arrived, employees had already safely evacuated the warehouse. Crews quickly initiated an offensive fire attack, with interior engine companies stretching a hoseline into the building while truck companies positioned aerial ladders to the roof and prepared for elevated water operations if needed.

As Engine 26 attempted to establish a water supply from a nearby fire hydrant, firefighters discovered the hydrant was not functioning. The crew immediately declared "emergency traffic" over the radio to notify Command and all personnel that there could be a delay in securing a reliable water supply.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Incident Commander requested a second alarm to ensure additional resources were available. Within minutes, however, Engine 22 successfully established a secondary water supply from another hydrant. Because of the quick actions of the crews, there was no interruption in fire suppression efforts, and the second alarm was promptly canceled.

Interior firefighters advanced a charged hoseline into the warehouse and quickly extinguished a small fire that had burned through the roof decking. Simultaneously, truck companies prepared for rooftop operations by stretching hoselines to the roof. After further investigation, crews determined the remaining fire on the roof was minimal and were able to extinguish it using a portable water extinguisher, commonly referred to by firefighters as a "pump can."

A Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Investigator responded to determine the cause of the fire. After completing the investigation, the fire was determined to have been caused by a lightning strike.

Thanks to the rapid evacuation of employees, the quick coordination between engine and truck companies, and the establishment of an alternate water supply, the fire was confined to the area of origin. There was no extension of fire beyond the roof and ceiling area, and no injuries were reported.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds the public that lightning can strike well ahead of or after the heaviest rain and can ignite fires in homes, businesses, and vegetation. If you suspect your building has been struck by lightning, evacuate if necessary, call 9-1-1, and allow firefighters to investigate any signs of smoke or fire.

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank our business partners at BOEC, and PPB for traffic control.

Portland Fire & Rescue Deploys Specialty Rescue Team To Support Akawa Butte Fire (Photo) - 07/22/26

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) has deployed a specialized rescue team to assist the Oregon Department of Forestry with the Akawa Butte Fire burning near Sisters, Oregon. The duration of their assignment is anywhere from 7-14 days.

The Rapid Extrication Module Support (REMS) team provides a critical safety resource for firefighters working on the fireline. REMS teams are specifically trained and equipped to locate, treat, package, and safely transport injured or ill wildland firefighters from remote and challenging terrain to definitive medical care. Their specialized capabilities provide incident managers with a rapid response option when firefighters become injured or incapacitated.

PF&R's four-person REMS team is trained in high-angle rope rescue, vehicle extrication, and advanced prehospital emergency medical care. The team carries specialized rope rescue, technical rescue, extraction, and advanced life support medical equipment, allowing them to reach and extricate injured firefighters in some of the most difficult and inaccessible environments.

Before departing, Crew Boss Lieutenant Eric Dryer shared his thoughts on the assignment.

"I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. This is a great opportunity for us to support our partners and help protect the firefighters working on the front lines."

The team departed this morning with two four-wheel-drive pickup trucks, one utility side-by-side vehicle, and a support trailer. They will remain assigned to the incident for the duration of their deployment, providing specialized rescue capabilities in support of wildfire suppression operations.

Early Morning House Fire In SE Portland Brentwood-Darlington Leaves Two Residents Critically Injured (Photo) - 07/15/26

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to an early morning residential structure fire in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood of Southeast Portland that resulted in two residents sustaining critical injuries and the displacement of five occupants.

At 6:56 a.m., Portland Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to reports of a house fire involving a one-story single-family residence with a basement. The first arriving engine company encountered heavy fire and thick black smoke coming from the home and immediately initiated an aggressive fire attack while additional crews searched the structure for occupants.

With the help of our mutual aid resources from Clackamas Fire, Firefighters worked quickly to bring the fire under control, achieving full extinguishment by 7:10 a.m. Rapid suppression efforts helped prevent further fire extension and allowed crews to focus on search, rescue, and overhaul operations.

Two residents were found with critical injuries and were transported by ambulance to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment. Tragically, one cat was found deceased inside the home.

The fire displaced four adults and one child of unknown age. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents with temporary housing and other immediate needs.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Investigators. No additional information regarding the injured residents or the cause of the fire is available at this time.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds residents that working smoke alarms provide critical early warning in a fire emergency. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom, and test them monthly to ensure they are functioning properly.

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank our business partners at BOEC, Clackamas Fire, PPB, and PGE.

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