Two NE Portland house fires kept Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters busy overnight. The address of the first fire is 10448 NE Morris. The single alarm fire came in at 0055. The first arriving engine described a "well involved 2 story wood frame residence." Crews discovered all the occupants had escaped with their dog but a kitten was missing.
The occupants were awakened by their dog, but could not recall the sound of the smoke alarm. The fire was brought under control and recalled at 0142. Crews remained on scene until 0533. Fire Investigators could not determine if there was a working Smoke Alarm in the home. The cause of the fire was a malfunctioning baseboard heater, which ignited nearby combustible materials.
The 2 occupants are now staying with family. The value of the home is estimated at $250,000 with a loss of $100,000. The value of the contents is estimated at $125,000 with a loss of $50,000. 4 Engines, 2 Trucks, 1 Rescue, 2 Chiefs, 2 Investigators and
1 Rehab Unit responded to the fire. 32 firefighters in all.
Portland Fire & Rescue reminds everyone: Always give any heater or heating device (including hot water heaters) at least 16 to 18 inches of clearance. Do not store or pile combustible materials (paper, clothing, wood, etc.) in this space. Also never store Flammable material or liquids in the area of an open flame or pilot light of a furnace or hot water heater.
The second house fire was located at 4946 NE Rodney. The time of the fire was 0305 and the first arriving Engine described "smoke coming from the basement and 1st floor." Firefighters located a fire in the basement that extended to the 1st floor. The fire was quickly extinguished. Firefighters found the occupant's dog and removed it safely to the outside of the home. At this time the cause of the single alarm fire is under investigation. Crews remained on scene until 0453. 4 Engines, 1 Truck, 2 Chiefs, 1 Investigator, and 1 Rehab Unit responded. 24 firefighters in all. Value of the home is estimated at $400,000 with a loss of $5,000. Value of the contents is estimated at $150,000 with a loss of $1,000.
