Heavy smoke pouring from a basement electrical room sent Portland Fire & Rescue crews rushing to a downtown high-rise Friday, as firefighters worked to track down the source and secure the scene. Crews were still in the early stages of their response, and officials had not yet reported any injuries or confirmed whether the building suffered any structural damage.
Crews on scene reporting heavy smoke coming from a basement electrical room.
— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) Feb 6, 2026
What Portland Fire reported
According to Portland Fire & Rescue, crews were responding to reports of heavy smoke coming from a basement electrical room inside a high-rise in downtown Portland. The bureau shared a brief initial update but did not include details on the cause of the smoke, possible evacuations or any injuries, noting that more information would be released as firefighters continued working on scene.
Why basement electrical rooms pose special risks
Basement electrical rooms and transformer vaults can generate thick, toxic smoke and create electrocution or explosion hazards that make firefighting especially tricky, according to OSHA. Crews typically wait for utilities to de-energize equipment before making an interior push. Fireground specialists also urge departments to set up a wide safety perimeter and coordinate closely with power companies because burning electrical gear can release oil, PCBs or other hazardous byproducts that complicate both suppression and overhaul operations, as outlined by Fire Engineering.
What downtown residents and commuters should know
People in and around downtown are being asked to steer clear of the immediate area while crews work, and to plan for possible traffic or transit slowdowns near the scene. For practical tips on evacuations, dealing with utilities and what comes after the smoke clears, see guidance from Portland Fire & Rescue…