Two Early Morning Fires Keep Portland Firefighters Busy

Two early morning fires kept crews from Portland Fire and Rescue busy Saturday.

The first was at around 1:30 when they were called to a commercial fire at 12 North Blanenda Avenue.

There they found a large column of fire and smoke engulfing a commercial building.

The building was unoccupied but due its size, a second alarm was called.

Two hours later, firefighters responded to 3318 SE Salmon for a house fire.

They arrived to find a two-story home fully involved.

Neighbors said there was a woman still since.

Firefighters were able to pull out an 84-year-old woman but she died from injuries.

A second person had managed to make it out of the house and was found in the backyard.

That person was suffering from serious smoke inhalation and other injuries and transported to Legacy Emanuel.

"All of us at Portland Fire&Rescue extend our deepest sympathy to the family, neighbors and friends of our fire victim this morning," said interim Fire Chief Ken Burns. "I am proud of the quick and dangerous work done here by our firefighters.

"I only wish we could report a better outcome. This is a sad reminder of how fast these tragedies can happen."