A house fire in Southeast Portland’s Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood on Saturday forced adult residents out of their home but, fortunately, left everyone uninjured, according to Portland Fire & Rescue. Crews got the main body of the flames under control quickly, but a heavily cluttered interior turned the overhaul into a labor-intensive search for hidden hot spots inside ceilings and walls.
Portland Fire & Rescue said the fire appears to have started in sleeping quarters and that “the bulk of fire [was] eliminated quickly,” but noted that “overhaul was needed” because the home was so heavily cluttered. The bureau said the adult occupants are being assisted by the American Red Cross and confirmed that no injuries were reported. An investigator has been requested to determine the cause and assess the extent of the damage.
Neighborhood has seen other recent blazes
The Brentwood-Darlington area has been no stranger to difficult residential fires lately, especially in homes or yards packed with combustible material. Coverage of a previous Brentwood-Darlington blaze last September described a multi-alarm response that also displaced residents.
After the fire: recovery and safety steps
The City of Portland urges residents not to re-enter fire-damaged structures until officials or inspectors say it is safe, and to secure the property while getting in touch with insurers or disaster caseworkers for housing and immediate needs. The guidance also warns against reconnecting utilities on your own and directs residents to American Red Cross support and local contact numbers…