Portland Fire and Rescue Responds to House Fire in SW Portland in Freezing Conditions

PHOTO: Portland Fire & Rescue

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Portland firefighters responded to reports of fire coming from the rear of a single-family residence located in the 5500 block SW Idaho St. at 6:37 am.

Firefighters arrived at the scene five minutes later at 6:43 am. Crews encountered heavy fire coming from the front and rear of the structure. Less than one minute after firefighters arrived and began pulling hose lines, a flashover occurred on the main floor of the structure.

Flashover is when nearly all the combustible material in an enclosed area simultaneously ignites and can be potentially fatal for firefighters caught inside a burning structure when it occurs.

"Firefighters are extremely fortunate today that the flashover occurred seconds before they entered this burning home," said PF&R Public Information Officer Paul Corah. "Although firefighters are trained to recognize the signs of a flashover, it is an ever present threat that they accept as being part of the job of protecting life and property."

Firefighters determined that the two occupants and their dog escaped the fire safely. Making conditions difficult for firefighters was the 17 degree temperatures that they were working in. Ensuring that hoses don't freeze and keeping firefighters warm are especially important to firefighting operations in cold weather. A PF&R rehab unit responded to the scene to with equipment, such as additional air bottles and heaters, to support this firefighting effort.

The fire was brought under control at 7:13 am. Portland Fire & Rescue was assisted by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue in fighting this fire. The Red Cross was called to assist the two occupants of the home with temporary housing needs. Two Portland Fire Investigators are currently at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and damage estimates are not yet available.

News Release from: Portland Fire & Rescue