Three Escape North Portland Apartment Fire

PORTLAND, OR: Fire officials are working to determine the cause of an apartment fire that displaced three North Portland residents Tuesday evening.

The fire was reported in the area of N. Interstate Avenue and Alberta Street at about 5:15 p.m.

“Initial crews reported seeing heavy fire and smoke from a second story apartment window,” Portland Fire officials said in a statement. “Fire spread throughout the second story apartment but was stopped before spreading to two business below.”

According to fire officials, all three residents who were inside when the fire started made it out safely and no injuries were reported.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the apartment, protecting J's Market and Sunny's Cleaners located under the apartment. Officials say the fire was knocked down in less than an hour.

“Smoke alarms are the single most important item to help you survive a fire,” fire officials said. “While fire doesn't have to happen, when it does, early warning is imperative for escape.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Photo courtesy Portland Fire and Rescue