At 01:37 Monday, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported house fire at 9914 NE Failing St. Initial reports also stated that the occupant might still be inside. On arrival fire crews found a house with heavy smoke and fire showing from most of the windows.
As the first companies entered the house they found access difficult due to the fact that the house had excessive content clutter. Once entry was made firefighters needed three hose lines to slow the fire enough to search for the possible victim. Approximately ten minutes into the fire police (who were on scene) reported that the occupant had made contact with them and was safe.
At this point the roof of the house began to weaken. This posed an extreme danger to firefighters operating in the interior of the residence. With the confirmation that all of the homes occupants were safe fire command ordered all firefighters out of the structure and the switch was made to defensive (exterior) firefighting operations.
One firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was transported to Portland Adventist Hospital as a precaution. He was released within hours and is expected to fully recover. The homeowner who discovered and attempted to extinguish the fire was later transported to the hospital for a physical evaluation.
The cause of the fire is undetermined at this point and investigators will likely be working on scene throughout the day.