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Just before noon today PF&R firefighters were called to a house on the 2300 block of North Kilpatrick Street. While calls were coming in to dispatch, Portland Firefighter Maggie Blackwood happened by the scene and noted the homeowner trying to put out the fire with a garden hose. Maggie was off duty and on her way to the library. She helped to move the homeowner away, but not before he suffered injuries related to the fire.
Fire crews arrived and found heavy fire burning on the first floor and in the attic. They were able to extinguish the blaze, but the home suffered extensive damage and will be uninhabitable. The homeowner's injuries were relatively minor and he declined transport to the hospital. The homeowner will be staying with friends. The cause of this fire is currently under investigation.
The second fire was called in just after 1 PM. Fire crews responded to the 1500 Block of North Hayden Island Dr. When they arrived firefighters reported heavy fire throughout the single story residence. The fire was so intense that firefighters were initially forced to fight it from the outside initially. An adult male resident suffered injuries related to this fire. Once the fire was partially knocked down crews were able to move inside to extinguish the remainder of the blaze. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. The injured man was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
This residence will also be uninhabitable due to fire damage. A family of four (two adults and two children) have been displaced and they will be staying with relatives. While house fires are always awful, they can be especially hard on children during the holidays. The Red Cross will be helping the family with food and comfort items and Portland Fire Toy & Joy Makers will be working to replace the childrens presents. Neighbors have also offered assistance to the family.
Portland Fire encourages our community to think about safety as the weather gets colder.
1. When inside use safe approved sources of heat (no candles, outdoor heaters or stoves).
2. Avoid using generators indoors.
3. Ensure indoor heaters have tip-over protection and are kept well away from anything that can burn.
4. Make sure that fireplaces are monitored, vents are opened and that chimneys are kept clean.
5. Keep small children out of the kitchen and don't leave items cooking unattended.