TWO-ALARM HIGHRISE FIRE IN NE PORTLAND

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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.

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