At 1:26 this afternoon, Portland Fire responded to a report of an apartment fire at 166 NE Lombard St.

First arriving units reported a large column of smoke, which indicated a working structure fire. Bystanders outside the fire, reported that the fire originated in the basement on the back side of the complex. The crew assigned to fire attack made an aggressive push through the rear of the structure and quickly knocked the fire down. Additional crews performed vital ventilation and search and rescue functions.

A cursory search yielded no victims inside. No occupants or firefighters were injured in this fire. One house cat perished in this fire.

Fire investigators are on scene working to determine the cause of the fire. Updates on fire cause and damage estimates will be posted once they become available.

Portland Fire would like to remind everyone that that driving over charged hoselines that are crossing roads is not only dangerous for motorists, but can endanger firefighters who are relying on the water supply from hydrants for suppression and protection from fire. Avoid driving over fire hose unless an emergency requires it.