Location of scooter that blocked the exit while on fire.

Eleven displaced due two lithium-ion battery caused fires in a single day.

At just before 7 AM yesterday, September 12, 2024, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a fire in a Southwest Portland Neighborhood that ultimately caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages and will displace 3 adult residents until the home can be repaired and inhabited again. And just before midnight, crews in Southeast Portland responded to a fire in a multi-occupancy apartment complex that displaced 8 residents and caused significant damage to the structure that will take a while to repair. What each of these responses have in common is the cause of the fire was the result of a thermal runaway of a rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery. 

These batteries are woven into our lives in the 21^st Century with many devices that include phones, laptop computers, toys, tools, scooters, and bicycles along with countless other objects. The rechargeable batteries certainly increase the ease and efficiency of life in the hustle and bustle world we live within but come with some significant dangers that include a thermal runaway of the encased battery cells. This thermal runaway will cause high heat, explosions, and lead to fire if the battery is located on or near combustible items. These thermal runaway situations most often occur when the battery is actively being charged but can also occur when the battery is not connected to a power source as was the case in one of the responses yesterday. It is well known that lithium-ion batteries can enter a state labeled as “Thermal Runaway”. As noted by UL Research Institutes, one of the primary risks related to lithium-ion batteries is thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. Thermal runaway can result in extremely high temperatures, violent cell venting, smoke, and fire. Good information regarding this phenomenon can be found here: What Causes Thermal Runaway? | UL Research Institutes. 

PF&R responded to a similar incident last month and 4 months ago with scooter batteries going into thermal runaway and causing smoke and water damage to buildings and in each of these situations, the scooters were being stored in a common egress route that in effect blocked the exit of the building with smoke and fire forcing residents evacuating to find a secondary exit during a time of heightened chaos of the incident with fire alarms sounding and fire sprinklers activated. These incidents can be avoided by following the guidelines below. 

Portland Fire & Rescue would like remind Portlanders that lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly. These batteries are found in electric bikes and scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones, and common household devices. Like any product, a small number of these batteries can be defective and can overheat, catch fire, or explode. Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, injuries, and serious fires nationwide. These fires burn hot and fast and can emit large amounts of toxic smoke.

If using any devices powered by lithium-ion batteries:

--Be sure any equipment has the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) mark.

--Follow manufacturers’ instructions for charging and storage.

--Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.

--Keep batteries/devices stored at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.

--Store batteries away from anything flammable.

--Do not charge or store battery operated devices or scooters in stairways/stairwells, in exit pathways, or in front of exit doors. We recommend actively charging this equipment only while you are home. 

--If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, cracks, leaking, or odd noises coming from a device, discontinue use immediately. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.

--Inspect all lithium-ion battery-powered equipment and chargers for frayed or cracked cords and replace if necessary.

For safe battery disposal/recycling information, please see this link from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability:  www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/battery-recycling

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PF&R vs PPB Charity Soccer Match

 

• Charity Soccer Match
• Saturday 09-14-24
• Providence Park
• Gates at 6 PM
• Match at 7 PM

The charity soccer match pitting Portland Fire & Rescue vs Portland Police Bureau returns this year after a 5-year hiatus, and all are excited to get back out onto the pitch and battle for the crown. The match will benefit the charities of each organization with fire supporting the Toy n’ Joy Makers (Toy & Joy Makers (toynjoymakers.org)) and police supporting the Sunshine Division (Home - Sunshine Division). There will be historic and contemporary emergency response rigs along with recruitment information for both agencies. This is a great opportunity to connect with the firefighters and police officers that serve the City of Portland.

PF&R is currently 6-0 in this event with PPB putting in good work to make this the year they take the crown.

Entry into the facility is free with a small toy or a non-perishable food item. Come early, meet some firefighters and police officers, and watch them battle for the crown.

Media Day (ATTENTION SPORTS DESK) will be on Wednesday, September 11 at Providence Park at 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Access to the field will be from the SW Morrison and SW 20^th gate. Each team of 22 members and team coaches will be present at this practice to be available to connect with any media regarding the event. The teams are a blend of some of the old guard with a few new, and youthful, faces. Any help you can give us at broadcasting the event through the remainder of the week will aid in the abilities to increase the charitable donations to each group.

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Media Invite and Information

Portland Fire & Rescue to Honor Memory of Those Lost on the 23^rd anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks.

• Wednesday September 11, 2024
• 0659 and 0728 at all Portland Fire & Rescue Stations – a moment of silence
• 1000 Ceremony - Portland Fire & Rescue Station 1 – 55 SW Ash St.
• Red Cross Blood Drive - Portland Fire & Rescue Station 1 – 55 SW Ash St. 
  • 8 AM - 2 PM
  • Registration available at www.RedCrossBlood.org - Use code PortlandFire 

Portland Fire & Rescue will honor the memory of those lost on the 23^rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with moments of silence at PF&R stations city-wide, along with a ceremony to share in the remembrance of this significant event that affected the lives of many across our nation and the world. 

To mark the falling of each tower of the World Trade Center, where 343 members of the FDNY lost their lives along with countless civilians, each Portland Fire Station will bring their fire apparatus out onto the aprons of the stations and stand at attention to honor those lost twenty-three years ago with a moment of silence. At 6:58 AM PST and 7:28 AM PST, the times, respectively, when the South and North Towers collapsed, the Bureau of Emergency Communications will transmit information regarding the tragedy of 23 years ago to be followed by a moment of silence. We share this information as this is the time many are commuting along our roadways and will see these moments of silence occurring as they take place.

At 10 AM, we would like to invite the media and all other interested community members to attend a solemn remembrance ceremony at Portland Fire & Rescue Station 1 – located at 55 SW Ash St. The ceremony will include speakers from Portland City Council, Portland Fire & Rescue along with the Portland Firefighters Association IAFF – Local 43. The ceremony will conclude with a bagpiper and fire boat water display in the Willamette River, directly across the street from Portland Fire Station 1 in Waterfront Park.

In addition to the ceremonial events above, Portland Fire & Rescue will be hosting a blood drive at Station 1 for the eleventh year in a row. The blood drive begins at 8 AM and runs until 2 PM. Walk in blood donors are welcome but to ensure your time is well spent, online registration is available at www.RedCrossBlood.org – be certain to use the sponsor code PortlandFire when registering. Please help us alert the community of this event as the blood goes to many local individuals in need.

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Today just after 5:00pm Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a commercial fire in the Mill Park neighborhood right on 122^nd Avenue.  The first arriving unit was a Battalion Chief who noted heavy fire from the second floor and a second alarm was quickly called due to both the extremely hot weather and the heavy fire.  Upon arrival, the first truck informed command that this structure was a permanently closed and vacant restaurant.  With this information along with the heavy fire showing a defensive fire attack was initiated. 

2 trucks put large, elevated master streams into place on 2 corners of the building and several hand lines were put in place at other exterior openings to knock down the heavy flames, preventing the fire from spreading to any other nearby structures.  Crews then spent the next couple hours putting out hot spots using handlines, and tools to help dig into an area of the structure where the roof had partially collapsed, as can be seen in some of the pictures.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and there were no reports of injuries.

Smoke Stained Bricks of Fire Station

PF&R Fire Station vandalized over the weekend.

In the late morning hours of August 31^st, 2024, an unidentified male used ordinary combustibles attempting to set fire to Fire Station 19 located at 7301 E Burnside that serves the Montavilla, Mt. Tabor, North Tabor, and South Tabor Neighborhoods.  The firefighters coincidentally were being dispatched on an emergency call when the arsonist struck, and the individual was seen rustling around between some shrubs and the fire station as the crews were leaving to station to respond to their dispatched emergency call.  Upon returning to the station, they smelled smoke and with further investigation, discovered the burning fire outside the dormitory windows of the station.  The fire was set between some shrubs and the building’s exterior wall, causing soot staining on the bricks.  The suspect’s identity is unknown at this time.  

Attached is a photo of the smoke-stained bricks on the north wall near the dormitory windows. A lower quality video of the fire glow is posted on the Portland Fire X (formally Twitter) account – PDXFire – showing the materials burning alongside the station.

If anyone has any information related to this incident, please contact Lt. Jason Andersen @ 503-823-3787 or email at Jason.andersen@police.portlandoregon.gov

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Last night around 9pm an single engine company was dispatched to a transient camp fire near a building At 10030 SE Division St. While en route the response was upgraded to a full box based on incoming information that the fire had spread to the building. Upon arrival crews found the fire had in fact spread, running up the side of the building and into the attic space.  Truck 7 was able to execute a search of all units and get all residents of the building out safely while other crews worked on fire extinguishment.  A second alarm was called as a precaution based on the extreme weather temperatures of the day and the potential for work inside pulling ceiling and ensuring that all the fire was extinguished.  

The fire was able to spread rapidly up the side of the building based on the camp sites proximity to the apartments.  All six gas meters supplying gas to the six units of the building and gas was free flowing from them posing another hurdle for firefighters to overcome while mitigating this emergency.  Ultimately, the fire was extinguished with no injuries.

Five of the six units were occupied and all of those residents have been displaced.  Red Cross was called to help provide the about 14 displaced individuals.

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PF&R responds to 2^nd alarm fatal fire overnight.

Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a single-family residence with potential fire showing with multiple callers into the dispatch center overnight in the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood. There was heavy fire showing in the front of the initial address spreading to the neighboring home leading to a second alarm assignment requested to double the number of responders on scene. Water was being applied from the outside of the structure first and then on the interior to cool the flames that were throughout the reportedly cluttered living space. The bulk of fire in both structures was extinguished within 20 minutes of arrival. Fire crews located a victim on the interior during the fire suppression and search activities and initiated medical interventions on scene, but the individual unfortunately did not survive. This fire is currently under investigation. 

PF&R along with our mutual aid partners were dispatched to a residential fire at 3:24 AM in the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood with multiple callers alerting the dispatch center to the residential fire that was spreading to neighboring homes. Crews arrived to find heavy fire in a single-family residence with fire having extended to the property line fence and to the closest neighboring home. This fire extension directed command to request a second alarm assignment in the event there were 2 homes on fire located next to one another. Crews from the first alarm were able to make entry into the home and begin extinguishment from the interior initially, but the body of fire was too large and hot to remain inside. The crews pulled back, hit the main body of fire from the exterior until they were able to return to an offensive and interior fire attack tactic. 

Crews were sent to the roof to cut holes that would allow for the hot gasses and smoke to escape. This improved the ability of the interior crews to operate and move the hoses around on the interior to address the fire present. Radio reports of a heavy cluttered interior, quickly referred to as “hoarder conditions”. This interior condition slows down the ability of crews to advance the hose and search throughout the structure. 

Interior crews located a fire victim on the during the fire suppression activities, began life saving measures immediately but unfortunately the individual was declared dead at the scene. The male victim was estimated to be in his 40s. 

Portland Fire encountered a few other challenges aside from the heavily cluttered home. There were powerlines reported down reported early in the fire that were laying across the fence line between the two homes posing an additional hazard for the firefighters on scene and the power company was requested to respond to eliminate the flow of electricity through these severed lines. In addition to the clutter and the downed live powerlines, the closest fire hydrant was out of service, so crews had to move to a different hydrant that was 300’ away. An additional fire engine was directed to this fire hydrant to pump water forward to overcome the distance and frictional loss in the hoses to ensure there is a sufficient amount of water available to the fire fighters at the end of the handheld hose lines used in the suppression.

The cause of this fire is under investigation. Investigators are on scene sifting through the structure to determine the location of the fire start along with cause of the fire.

Portland Fire would like to thank Pacific Power for responding and addressing the active power lines. Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the on-scene assistance by Clackamas County Fire with units responding and working in both the first and second alarms. Lastly, we would like to thank our public safety partners at BOEC and PPB were helpful in this incident.

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Portland Fire responds to 2^nd alarm apartment fire in SE Portland

At 7:52 PM BOEC dispatched out a residential fire in a multi occupancy apartment complex in the Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood with reports of a fire on the balcony of one of the units with lots of smoke billowing upwards. The audible fire alarm was activated to alert occupants of a potential fire in the 8-story structure. Handheld hose lines and the inhouse fire sprinkler protection system kept the fire to a single occupancy with no fire extension to any other unit. There were no reported injuries with only three residents to be displaced because of water and other damages caused by the fire and fire suppression activities.

Crews communicated a header or smoke column as they were approaching the structure indicating heavy fire. The first arriving engine from our mutual aid partner Clackamas County Fire reported fire on the balcony of a unit on what was believed to be the 4^th floor with more fire showing on all balconies directly above this location. Shortly after their arrival, a PF&R engine arrived and took command of the incident and directed all other responders that the high-rise protocol would be enacted as this was a structure greater than 7 stories in height. This high-rise response has more firefighters and fire apparatus dispatched in the initial single alarm response because of the possible work that may ensue given the height of the building. This preplanned response has engine and truck companies preassigned to tasks based on the order in the original fire dispatch, so everyone is aware of their expected tasks prior to arrival, allowing the crew to get to work immediately. With the addition of the Clackamas County Engine the fire attack had 2 companies going directly to the fire floor and expected fire unit and all other companies performing their preassigned tasks such as fire floor assignments, floor above, floor below, lobby control, and stairwell management among other tasks.

The first arriving Battalion Chief took command and requested a second alarm assignment to get many more rigs responding in the event the fire overtook the existing personnel on scene along with the possibility of assisting the many occupants in this structure with more than 100 occupancies. In addition to the second alarm assignment, a strike team of ambulances was requested with the possibility of multiple injuries due to the high occupancy load. (A strike team is five [5] of the same units – in this case ambulances and is a common request in the fire service but most often when discussing wildland style fires with a strike team of engines requested.)

Crews went to work quickly in an offensive fire attack tactic and were able to suppress the flames on the balconies in short order by taking hose lines aloft to the fire floor, connecting to the internal standpipe and stretching to the fire occupancy. The sprinklers within the fire occupancy were activated and keeping the fire at bay until the large volume of water from the hand-held hose lines completed the extinguishment. This fire was kept mainly to the balconies or exterior of the structure starting on a balcony and extended upward, which is to be expected, but also had fire embers dropping below and causing light fire damage to a few balconies below the fire floor balcony. A quick hit from the fire hose was able to extinguish any fire on the balconies in question below once the main body of fire on the primary balcony and above was extinguished.

All occupants were able to safely evacuate to the exterior of the structure with no reported injuries. Pets left behind were reconnected to their owners by fire crews as they searched the entire building to be sure all occupants, and pets were safely on the exterior. There will be 3 occupants displaced with Red Cross contacted to assist in this displacement. There is a team of investigators on scene interviewing occupants and sifting through the debris for clues to determine the start of the fire.

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank the dispatchers at BOEC, the responding officers from Portland Police, and our partners from Clackamas County in their assistance in extinguishing this fire quickly.

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SE Portland Fire Station Vandalized

On August 18^th, 2024 at 1:46 AM, an unidentified person vandalized Fire Station 25 serving the citizens of the Mt Scott-Arleta and Woodstock neighborhoods located at 5211 SE Mall Street. The person was driving a 1997-2003 Ford F150 pickup truck, white in color, with a long bed and garbage piled in the bed.

The vehicle’s horn was honked for an extended period as the vehicle drove over the curb and onto the lawn.  The vehicle backed up into the street, then returned to the driveway of the station, striking the garage door, damaging it which required emergency repairs to make the door fully operational again.   The vehicle then drove over the lawn again striking the flagpole.  

Investigators believe the vehicle may have damage to the passenger front corner, and along the passenger side of the vehicle from striking the door and flagpole.  Mud may also be present along the sides of the body, tires, and wheels from the damage caused to the lawn.

Attached to this release are grainy screen shot photos taken from a video surveillance camera from across the street. The video is posted on the PFR X account found under @PDXFire account. 

If anyone recognizes this vehicle, please contact Lt. Jason Andersen @ 503-823-3787 or by email at Jason.andersen@police.portlandoregon.gov. If you know the vehicle’s location currently, please call 911 to report it.  

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PF&R Responds to AM Scooter Fire inside an apartment complex.

At just after 8 AM today, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a reported commercial fire in a multi-occupancy apartment complex in the Northwest District Neighborhood with reports of an explosion and an internal fire protection sprinkler activated. Crews arrived to have light smoke showing from a window on the backside of the structure. Interior investigation led to the discovery of an electric scooter stored in a primary egress route that had caught fire. The scooter was quickly extinguished with a handheld water extinguisher by crews and then removed from the structure before any fire extension occurred into the building. There were no injuries reported and no one will be displaced.

It is well known that lithium-ion batteries can enter a state labeled as “Thermal Runaway”. As noted by UL Research Institutes, one of the primary risks related to lithium-ion batteries is thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. Thermal runaway can result in extremely high temperatures, violent cell venting, smoke, and fire. Good information regarding this phenomenon can be found here: What Causes Thermal Runaway? | UL Research Institutes. PF&R responded to a similar incident just 3 ½ months ago with a scooter battery going into thermal runaway and causing smoke and water damage to the building. These incidents can be avoided by following the guidelines below. 

Portland Fire & Rescue would like remind Portlanders that lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly. These batteries are found in electric bikes and scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones, and common household devices. Like any product, a small number of these batteries can be defective and can overheat, catch fire, or explode. Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, injuries, and serious fires nationwide. These fires burn hot and fast and can emit large amounts of toxic smoke.

If using any devices powered by lithium-ion batteries:

--Be sure any equipment has the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) mark.

--Follow manufacturers’ instructions for charging and storage.

--Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.

--Keep batteries/devices stored at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.

--Store batteries away from anything flammable.

--Do not charge or store battery operated devices or scooters in stairways/stairwells, in exit pathways, or in front of exit doors. We recommend actively charging this equipment only while you are home. 

--If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, cracks, leaking, or odd noises coming from a device, discontinue use immediately. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.

--Inspect all lithium-ion battery-powered equipment and chargers for frayed or cracked cords and replace if necessary.

For safe battery disposal/recycling information, please see this link from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability:  www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/battery-recycling

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Portland Fire & Rescue crews battle a fire at 42^nd Ave Fish & Chips. A responding crew reported that there was a visible “header” (smoke and fire) enroute to the scene, alerting all incoming resources that there is indeed an active fire. First arriving officer reported heavy fire showing from the backside of the 2-story building appearing to be an exterior fire that was moving interior. Additionally, it was reported that there was possibly a living space above the restaurant. The commanding officer immediately requested police response for traffic control, to shut down 42^nd Ave. Crews immediately went into offensive fire attack mode and used specialized tools to force open the door and advance hose lines into the building. Shortly after crews made entry, the next incoming resources reported power lines had come down on one side of the structure, and the incident commander made an emergency safety announcement over the radio alerting all firefighters on scene to stay clear of the hazard. The incident commander then requested PGE be dispatched to the incident to cut all power to the building. While interior crews were working on extinguishing the fire, additional crews were assigned to search the building for any occupants. There were no occupants found. 

Meanwhile, additional crews were assigned roof operations to cut ventilation holes. This task is instrumental for interior crews because it removes all the superheated gases over the fire area and enables visibility. This is a very coordinated effort that requires clear and concise communication, to not cause a bigger fire problem. Roof top crews faced challenges in cutting holes due to the building having had multiple remodels. The corrugated metal required lots of peeling away to expose the fire. 

Approximately 15 minutes after the interior crews began their offensive attack on the fire, they reported that it was extinguished, and they were checking to see if it had extended to any other areas of the structure. No extensions were found at that time, but about 45 minutes later an interior crew reported feeling heat and were in search of locating it. Due to multiple remodels, there were several different areas within the building that made it challenging to search with hose lines and find the fire problem, but crews moved aggressively and soon located and extinguished the fire. No further fire problems arose, and crews transitioned into the final phase of firefighting operations, referred to as “overhaul.” This process involves thoroughly combing through the entire structure, inside and out, assuring that all smoke and heat is completely removed and there is no possibility of a rekindle. In doing so, the incident commander reiterated to all working crews that preservation of the fire origin be left alone to not disturb any evidence of the cause of the fire. A fire investigator was dispatched to the scene, and the cause is undetermined at this time.

A rehab unit was requested by the incident commander, and upon their arrival they support all crews by refiling their self-contained breathing apparatus (air packs) and providing hydration and snacks for energy replacement. No reported injuries.

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank our amazing partners at BOEC, Portland Police Bureau, and PGE for their help in safely bringing this incident to a close.

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