House Fire Blamed on Improper Disposal of Fireworks

Two firefighters suffered very minor injuries.

Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, Ore. ) - Fire Investigators have determined the cause of the fire last night at 5716 SW Hamilton St.

The fire started outside in the back yard from improper disposal of legal fireworks.

Several sparkler sticks were put in a plastic garbage can that contain paper and other trash.

The fire ignited the plastic trash can that inturn spread to the siding of the house.

The loss to the building is estimated to be $400,000 and the loss to the contents is $75,000 for a total of $475,000 in damages.

Firefighters were called to the report of a home on fire at 5716 SW Hamilton St.

Reports from witnesses reported a "large ball of orange fire and smoke".

When Engine 5, from the Hillsdale Station, arrived they reported "heavy fire and smoke from the rear and attic of the house."

Firefighters attacked the fire inside the house but were forced to withdraw when the fire raced over their heads in the attic.

Firefighters took the fight to the outside of the house and cut holes in the gables and the roof to extinguish the fire in the attic.

Once the fire in the attic was under control firefighters again entered the house and finished the extinguishment.

No civilians were injured.

Two firefighters had very minor injuries one has a small, second degree burn to his hand, the other was evaluated on scene for an elevated heart rate.

Neither firefighter was transported and both continued working after a brief rest.

As busy as Portland Fire & Rescue was on the 4th of July this fire was the most serious one of the day.