Overnight 2-Alarm Fire Damages SE Portland Apartment

Investigators know the fire started in the back bedroom but still have a lot of work to do before they discover what specifically started the fire.

Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, Ore. ) - Fire crews in SE Portland were kept busy Thursday night by a fire that broke out in an apartment building located at 4420 SE Belmont.

When battalion Chief Todd Keathley arrived he reported "fire showing" from the apartment building.

Portland Police Officers were on scene, before the arrival of the fire crews, working to get all the residents out of the building.

Firefighters from Station 25 attacked the in the second floor apartment.

They worked their way on hands and knees down the hallway to a back bedroom where the fire started.

After knocking down the main body of the fire they began checking the attic to see if the fire had spread.

The fire had indeed spread to the attic but firefighters caught it early and limited the damage to the space just above 2 apartments.

The occupants of the apartment told Investigators they were alerted by the smoke alarm and tried to extinguish the fire with pots and pans full of water.

In doing this they delayed calling 911 which allowed the fire to grow.

One occupant said when she dumped the water on the fire and turned around she couldn't see the bedroom door, because of all the smoke.

Both occupants got out of the apartment with only minor smoke inhalation.

They were treated at the scene by firemedics and transported to a local hospital. No other injuries were reported.

Investigators know the fire started in the back bedroom but still have a lot of work to do before they discover what specifically started the fire.

Firefighters will be on scene for several hours extinguishing hot spots, investigating the cause and securing the building.

Tragedy was avoided on this fire because the apartment had a working smoke alarm.

Renters are reminded that your Landlord is required to provide a working smoke alarm when you occupy the apartment.

It is your responsibility to check the operation of the smoke alarm and report any problems to your Landlord.