A three‑alarm inferno tore through an apartment building under construction near NE 100th Avenue and East Burnside Street in northeast Portland early Sunday, sending a crush of fire rigs into the neighborhood as crews fought to keep the flames from jumping to nearby buildings.
Multiple Portland Fire & Rescue units poured into the area as firefighters attacked the blaze and set up protection lines around surrounding structures. Details on possible injuries or how the fire started had not been released as of early Sunday, and officials stressed that the incident remains an active scene.
Crews are on scene of a 3 alarm fire at an apartment building under construction at NE 100 & Burnside.
— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) April 12, 2026
Portland Fire & Rescue flagged the incident on X early Sunday, noting crews were on scene at “a 3 alarm fire at an apartment building under construction at NE 100 & Burnside.” In the same alert, Portland Fire & Rescue urged people to steer clear of the area and reminded residents to call 9‑1‑1 for emergencies.
What a Three‑Alarm Fire Means for the City
A three‑alarm response is firefighter code for “this is big.” It triggers additional engines, ladder trucks and battalion officers from across Portland, ramping up resources until incident commanders decide the fire is under control. According to the City of Portland, multi‑alarm incidents require coordination across battalions and can keep crews tied up for hours…