Smoke drifting from the 10th floor of a downtown high-rise had fire crews hustling to the 500 block of SW 13th Avenue on Sunday, where a reported high-rise fire prompted evacuations and shelter-in-place orders inside the building. Firefighters worked to track down and contain the blaze while city officials urged people to stay away from the area so crews could work and reminded anyone facing an emergency to call 9-1-1.
What Portland Fire & Rescue reported
According to Portland Fire & Rescue, the first-arriving company reported smoke showing from the 10th floor, with multiple companies working on scene along the 500 block of SW 13th Ave. In its initial X post, the bureau reiterated that people should call 9-1-1 for emergencies. That early update did not list any injuries or identify a cause, and officials said additional details were still pending.
How the city fights high-rise fires
City guidance explains that a first-alarm high-rise response is a labor-intensive operation that typically sends several engines, ladder trucks and specialized units to handle fire attack, stairwell searches and lobby control, as laid out by Portland Fire & Rescue. The city's Fire Safety & Evacuation Guide notes that high-rise buildings must maintain fire-safety plans and trained floor wardens to help coordinate evacuation or shelter-in-place orders during an incident, and the materials outline the standard playbook crews use when they roll up to tall-building scenes.
Advice for neighbors
For people who live or work nearby, the message is straightforward: follow directions from building staff, steer clear of the immediate area so responders have room to operate, and keep an eye on official channels for updates. Those with respiratory or heart conditions should avoid smoky air, since the Oregon Health Authority notes that smoke can aggravate breathing problems and that sensitive groups face higher risks. A similar downtown high-rise smoke scare in April was contained without reported injuries, according to reporting on a seventh floor scare.
Portland Fire & Rescue's X account and the city are expected to post updates as crews clear the scene, so residents are advised to check those official sources for verified information. This story will be updated when the bureau releases additional details.
