Published Sunday, July 7, 2024, 1605 hours PT

PORTLAND, OREGON — Firefighters have been busy with a multitude of incidents that started during the 4th of July holiday last week with one major fire that has gained some national attention into today’s fire activities.

July 7, 2024 – 4300 block of NE 102nd

Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters were on the scene of a house fire. A primary search of the structure was completed and nothing was found, including no entrapments.

(L) Photo Credit: PF&R

The main body of the fire was quickly knocked down.

There were a few challenges to first responders including downed power lines, natural gas, and high temps both on the interior and the exterior. Utilities were secured at the time of the incident to help decrease dangerous conditions for firefighters and their equipment.

The fire was brought under control at 1333 hours PT. Firefighters were cycling and sent to and from REHAB to help stop becoming overexhausted. At this time as well, a Fire Investigator was called to the scene.

July 5, 2024 – Median on the 205 Freeway

At 1817 hours PT, firefighters were dispatched to a fire located in the median on the 205 Freeway near the Airport Way exit, which was observed as approximately 70×70 in size. It was quickly egressed and put it out.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

July 4, 2024 – Near the Whitaker Ponds Natural Area

A major fire incident occurred on July 4, 2024.

Here is the timeline for this incident.

7/4/2024 1935: Portland Fire & Rescue fire crews were dispatched to a structure fire near the Whitaker Ponds Natural area in the northeastern part of Portland.

The reporting party (RP) called in a large stack of pallets to be fully engulfed, which was now extending to a tree and a home.

A large fuel storage tank was on site and firefighters quickly set up a precautionary defensive fire strategy to protect them and the community. Another danger presented itself with a power line down on the ground.

A water supply was quickly established, while some units manned the hydrants for a possible aerial fire operation.

7/4/2024 1944 PT: A 2nd Alarm is requested.

This is due to heavy fire now throughout the home.

The Incident Commander orders all crews out of the structure.

The Fire Agency’s PIO was dispatched.

2004 PT: A 3rd Alarm is requested.

2008 PT: Fire has extended into one of the metal-clad buildings and crews are being challenged by limited water supply. The Water Bureau is working to help fire crews on the fire ground with water pressure. The pallet fire which had extended to a home and tree, was starting to spread and pose a fierce danger to exposures in the area is causing more live power lines to drop down on the ground. These conditions along with high temps are serious challenges to fire crews, their equipment, health, and to those who have to work under this type of duress. There was one metal-clad building where the fire extended into the commercial structure.

2009 PT: Fire Officials state due to the large number of pallets stacked high, this is the worst kind of fuel that can be accessed by crews. This fire is being spoken of as a long-term incident.

2019 PT: Challenges to firefighters on the ground are being faced with downed power lines, limited water volume, the number of engines needed to pump water, exposures, and protecting valuable assets and equipment. A partial building collapse is reported to Command. No injuries are reported.

2021 PT: Port of Portland Fire crews arrive on the scene and are in staging until needed.

2026 PT: Due to the high number of exposures around the fire building and the burning pile of pallets, fire crews are working tirelessly to save all nearby buildings.

2037 PT: Thousands of feet of fire hose lines are host to many gallons of water flowing through per minute and poured over the fire. The fire is brought under control.

2040 PT: After an intense fire attack, the first round of Firefighters are sent to REHAB to be checked by Medics and provided with rehydration and snack replenishment.

Right after this fire, the PIO would be called away to another fire incident, with this one being reported as an attic fire.

Duplex / Apartment Fire – NE 81st / Oregon

On the same day, firefighters responding from another fire on 47th x Columbia were en route to this incident when a 2nd alarm was requested at 2124 PT, but would be canceled at 2132 hours. Fire Command manages resources to ensure the City is covered to the best of its ability, given the number of fires occurring simultaneously throughout many areas.

The cause of this fire was a BBQ that tipped over and ignited the siding of the home and causing an attic fire.

Firefighters were still on the scene at 2213 hours PT but would quickly decon themselves, pick up their equipment, and return back to service.

PHOTO(S) Credit: PF&R

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