PF&R Responds To Landslide In SW Portland (Photo) - 03/12/26

PF&R Responds to landslide in SW Portland

Portland Fire & Rescue SW Fire Stations and the Portland Fire Technical Rescue Team responded to a landslide in SW Portland Markham Neighborhood just before noon today. Crews were dispatched out to reports of a landslide covering all exits of an individual building of the Indian Hills Apartment Complex.

Engine 18 arrived first to report landslide had occurred that covered a portion of the parking lot and access roadway running between the slope and the apartment building. Additional information from the E18 crew to their command officer was that mud was still actively slowly moving down the slope. The crews of Engine 5 and Truck 10 worked on evacuating the 6-occupancy building with 2 of the 6 individual apartments occupied and residents escorted to safety The remaining 4 occupancies were left as is with no answer at the door. With few cars parked at the location and the time of day giving good indication that residents were away, PF&R elected to leave the unanswered apartments undamaged without forcing entry at each doorway. The Technical Rescue Team arrived on scene but cleared without operating any specialized equipment as no rescue was needed.

The City of Portland specialized landslide team and geotechnical engineering specialists out of Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) are on scene evaluating the slope and any potential damage to the structure to ensure future occupancy is safe for all residents. There will also be an evaluation of the entire slope as well as the structural stability of the homes and structures located on the hillside above the area of the landslide.

There were no reported injuries. It is unknown at this time if there will be any residential displacement. Red Cross was contacted and alerted to the reality that 6 apartments may be “red tagged” and unable to occupied until the incident is completely addressed which includes clean up and inspection of the area.

Landslides may continue to occur over the next few days as Portland is in the pathway of an atmospheric river and forecasted for continuous rain until early Saturday morning. Rainwater will continue saturating the soil leading to slippage and possible complete failure of a slope and landslides. When these landslides occur, they will spread along each side or laterally so standing at the base or alongside a recent landslide is an unsafe location. Do not approach a landslide and stand at the base of the slope as these are very unsafe locations.

Portland Fire would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that it is a good idea to have a “go bag” ready in the event you are affected by something such as a landslide or any other natural disaster that may displace you temporarily. It is recommended to have a supply of clothing and any essentials that will allow you 14 days of successful living without having access to your primary home.

Portland Fire would like to thank the dispatchers at BOEC, members of PBOT that responded, and the landslide specialists out of PPD were all instrumental in our success in this incident. Additionally, we would like to thank Portland Police for their assistance at blocking traffic as we were working this emergency incident.

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