Portland Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to a downtown apartment fire near SW 10th and SW Salmon streets yesterday evening. Upon arrival, flames were observed from a west facing window, prompting the command officer to immediately call for a second alarm. This decision effectively doubled the initial response team from 26 to over 50 firefighters on scene or en route, according to official reports.
In battling the blaze, responders were directed to employ an offensive fire attack, advancing hoses from the pump engine to the fire room. The building's sprinkler system had managed to keep the fire at bay, allowing crews to quickly extinguish it. The fire was reportedly under control and all occupants were either evacuated or sheltering in place safely within 20 minutes of receiving the call.
Amidst the rescue operations, a firefighter found an individual overcome by smoke in a stairwell. "The firefighter took off their mask, placed it over the face of the struggling resident and escorted them out of the structure," stated Portland Fire & Rescue. The resident was later evaluated for possible smoke inhalation but declined further medical assistance. One occupant will be displaced as a consequence of the fire.
Following the incident, Portland Fire & Rescue took the chance to remind the public about the importance of having multiple exit strategies from living spaces. They emphasized that in cases of heavy smoke, having knowledge of alternative stairwells can make the difference between safety and peril. The fire was extinguished without it spreading to other parts of the structure, and thanks to the well-coordinated efforts of the emergency teams, no serious injuries were reported.
