Portland Fire & Rescue crews were on the scene Thursday at an active apartment fire in deep Southeast Portland after a second alarm was requested to bolster the firefighting response. A public information officer was headed to the scene while crews continued operations. Officials have not released an exact address, any information on casualties or a possible cause. This story will be updated as PF&R's public information officer provides more details.
Portland Fire is on scene of an apartment fire in deep SE PDX. Second alarm requested. PIO en route.
— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) Feb 5, 2026
In a brief update on X, Portland Fire & Rescue said crews were working an apartment fire in “deep SE PDX,” confirmed a requested second alarm and noted that a public information officer was on the way. The post did not list a street address or provide details about injuries or property damage, and officials have not yet issued a full incident statement.
What a second alarm means
A “second alarm” is an operational upgrade that brings in more engines, ladder trucks and firefighters so incident commanders can manage larger or more complex scenes, according to the Columbus Fire Department and local IAFF guidance. In many departments, a second alarm roughly doubles the initial assignment and can include mutual-aid units from neighboring agencies.
How neighbors should respond
Apartment fires can spread quickly and displace residents, so people in the area are urged to give firefighters plenty of space and follow directions from emergency personnel. For emergencies, call 9-1-1, and monitor official updates from Portland Fire & Rescue or the city’s public channels for verified information.
