Broadway Bridge Scare As Crews Race To Possible Jumper

Traffic along Portland’s north waterfront slowed Thursday evening as multiple Portland Fire & Rescue units rushed to the west end of the Broadway Bridge after a report of a person threatening to jump, according to the department’s field dispatch.

What officials said

According to Portland Fire & Rescue, “crews responding to a possible jumper on the west end of the Broadway Bridge.” The initial field dispatch did not include information on the person’s condition or whether the span was fully closed to vehicles and streetcar service.

How crews typically handle bridge calls

When someone is reported on a bridge railing, Portland’s fire bureau can deploy rope-rescue teams or marine units and coordinate closely with police to secure the scene and protect both the person in crisis and responders. For context, Fire Boat 21 monitored a person on the Morrison Bridge this week, and KPTV covered a May St. Johns Bridge incident that kept that span closed for roughly two hours while crews completed a rope rescue.

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergency behavioral-health support, Multnomah County lists a 24/7 behavioral-health call center at 503-988-4888 and notes the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available as well.

As of Thursday evening, no follow up with outcome details had been posted by either Portland Fire & Rescue or the Portland Police Bureau, the outlet noted. We will update this article if agencies publish further information.