Latest news with #PortlandFireAndRescue
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fourth of July brings high fire risks, Portland Fire and Rescue says
PORTLAND, Ore. () – Though temperatures are cooler than in recent years, fire officials are warning that the risk for fire is still high ahead of Independence Day. Just this week, Portland Fire and Rescue responded to a blaze started with fireworks. They have also responded to multiple brush fires already this summer that were not fireworks-related, PF&R said. While the temperatures are not as warm this year, Rick Graves with PF&R said the threat of fire is still great. Waterfront Blues Festival 2025: How to get there 'Regardless of our ambient temperature, we've got dry conditions,' he said. 'We also have tall vegetation that's ready to go. So there's no need to have an additional strain and stress as a result of someone using personalized fireworks for their enjoyment.' If you're planning to grill outside, Graves said to be aware. Do not leave your barbecue close to a structure or under a tree, and never leave it unattended. Lillian Hergenhan lives next to what was the Heidi Manor apartment complex. On the Fourth of July four years ago, a firework left in the trash sparked a blaze that killed three people and destroyed the building. She said every time she hears a firework, the memories rush back. 'I was just walking in my neighborhood and I started to hear them, and I had like, I went into panic mode, because it was horrific to see this fire and then also hear fireworks still going on around,' she said. 'And, you know, you also hear like, fire alarms going off. It's really scary.' Graves said people need to consider these consequences, even if they live in a city where fireworks are legal. 'It does not take much,' he said. 'One tiny, little green, colorful spark going off the cone that smells like sulfur right into the dry grass. And next thing you know, the fields going, they're just not safe, even if your community permits them. I don't really advocate for it.' This week, officials launched an online fireworks reporting line for anyone in the Multnomah County area. The hope is to avoid overloading 911 with calls. Since going live at 1:00 Tuesday morning, they have already gotten almost 500 reports. 'It's allowing us to see hotspots, which we've seen,' Graves said. 'There's some concentrated spots that might allow us in the future to do a better job of either education or maybe having the ability to focus, enforcement in those hotspots areas.' Graves said if you've bought fireworks and want to return them now, you can take them to any PF&R station where they will hold onto them and safely deal with them after the holiday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Don't forget: Personal fireworks are still banned in Portland, officials say
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – It may be firework season, but lighting your own is strictly prohibited in Portland. Since 2022, the city has had a ban on the sale and use of all personal fireworks. And as the Fourth of July approaches, Portland Fire and Rescue wants to warn that not following this law could have serious consequences. Motorcyclist loses control, crashes into semi-truck in North Portland 'We respond to many fires and injuries through the fireworks season that starts today on June 23-July 6 that can be avoided by adhering to the Fireworks Ban put into place for the safety of you and all those in our community,' PF&R said in a statement. The ban started one year after the use of fireworks was tied to a 2021 fire that ended in three deaths as well as the that damaged the Columbia Gorge. PF&R's reminder also follows the earlier this year. 'While it is unknown how either the Palisades or Eaton fire started, it doesn't matter to those who lost their loved ones, homes, personal possessions as fire is fire and can be an incredibly destructive force,' officials said. Clouds to impact Portland area temperatures this week Despite the ban of personal use, the City of Portland does allow controlled displays of professional fireworks each Fourth of July. 'We encourage you to connect with your friends and family on July 4, enjoy time together as you celebrate the 249th Independence Day and make plans to attend professional fireworks displays in the area,' PF&R said. On Monday, Portland also enacted a including bonfires, campfires, and leaf burning. The ban does not apply to charcoal and propane grills. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Yahoo
Bicyclist dies after ‘tragic' collision with MAX train in SE Portland, TriMet says
PORTLAND, Ore. () — A bicyclist has died after being hit by a MAX train in Southeast Portland on Wednesday, authorities said. The cyclist was struck by the train, then went under the train, Portland Fire and Rescue posted on . PF&R later clarified to KOIN 6 News via email that it was a MAX train. OR advocates react to SCOTUS transgender youth decision First responders later confirmed the single individual involved 'unfortunately did not survive the impact,' PF&R said. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner has been contacted, and law enforcement are also responding to the scene, officials said. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said the man's identity won't be released until it is confirmed and the next of kin is notified. TriMet released a service disruption advisory just after 2 p.m., saying their MAX Orange Line is disrupted 'due to a collision between a train and a person near Clinton/SE 12th.' They said shuttle buses will be provided and to expect delays. A TriMet spokesperson released the following statement: 'A MAX Orange Line train was proceeding through the rail crossing at Southeast 8th Avenue and Division Street at about 1:37 p.m. today, when a person on a bicycle entered the crossing and was fatally struck by the train. This is a tragic incident and a very difficult situation for everyone involved. Our thoughts are with the cyclist, our operator and those who witnessed the incident. The collision is under investigation. TriMet is working closely with authorities as we respond to the scene. At this time, MAX Orange Line service is disrupted, with shuttle buses serving stations between Lincoln St/SW 3rd Ave and Clinton St/SE 12th Ave.' A Multnomah County Sheriff's Office spokesperson released the following statement on the incident: 'Transit Police Unit investigators determined the cyclist was traveling northbound on SE 8th Avenue, when the man encountered the railroad crossing arms lowered and traffic. The cyclist rode his bike into the opposing southbound lanes of travel, where there are no crossing arms, and was subsequently hit by a MAX train traveling in the direction of Milwaukie as he crossed the railroad tracks.' This is a developing story. KOIN 6 News will update this article if more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Shocked': North Portland Wellness Center scorched by 3-alarm fire
PORTLAND, Ore. () — A three-alarm fire broke out at the North Portland Wellness Center Sunday. 'I want to start crying but I mean, been a labor of love for a long time,' said Lili Scott, co-owner of North Portland Wellness Center. PPS to release 3 hours early Monday due to high heat The owner got the call to rush to her business. It caught fire after a blaze spread from a vacant house next door. 'I was just shocked,' Scott said. 'So in these conditions, battling fires is another matter entirely,' said Damon Simmons, a spokesperson for Portland Fire and Rescue. More than 100 firefighters were working in this brutal heat for hours as Portland saw its first day above 90 degrees of the year. This was one of several fires Sunday afternoon, taking a toll on the crews. 'Imagine coming out of your oven into another oven. That's basically what it's like,' Simmons said. Facing heat from the fire and the air temperature, their heavy gear only adds to their rising body heat. To make sure they are cooling down, extra crews are called, ensuring breaks every 15-20 minutes. 'They're sweating all the liquid out of their body. And so they need, they need that extra rehab and that extra help,' said Simmons. Business owners and homeowners said they feel for the firefighters battling more than just the flames. Body pulled onto swimming dock at Cathedral Park 'Oh my God, I mean, look at what they're doing there. All of them are out here in this gear, and I don't even know what that adds to the temperature. It's 90 degrees and they are working so hard, nonstop. They're amazing, and I'm really grateful,' said Scott. The cause of the fire that damaged the North Portland Wellness Center is under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Portland Fire unveils new water lance that can ‘pierce through' metal to combat EV fires
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Portland Fire and Rescue is unveiling its new 'water lance' tool in an effort to minimize the toxicity released in the water and the air from lithium-ion battery fires from electric vehicles. The new Cold Cut Cobra Water Lance is so powerful, it can be used to penetrate metal and can minimize the amount of water needed to combat EV fires, officials said. Portland archbishop 'stunned' at new pope selection The proliferation of sometimes explosive EV battery fires is a fairly new phenomenon, with fire departments across the nation struggling to respond to them. As a result, a variety of approaches have been taken among the different fire departments around the country, PF&R officials said. The issue stems from the fact that lithium-ion battery fires can dispense toxins in the water runoff or in the air via aerosolized particulates, leading to respiratory health dangers for those nearby. Traditional firefighting methods would either require using a lot of water to put the battery fire out, creating toxic runoff, or waiting until the fire consumes the battery and use less water, but allowing a plume of toxic smoke to occur instead. Both methods risk environmental and health dangers. However, the new Cold Cut Cobra Water Lance tool can be used to penetrate into the battery compartment to dispense the water. The tool uses less water than traditional methods, and the water that is used is contained, minimizing toxic water runoff. 'The Cold Cut Cobra has a self-contained water tank with a motor used to power a high-pressure water pump, with the additional ability to mix in a nontoxic, environmentally safe iron ore aggregate used to penetrate into solid materials such as metal and concrete, using a hole of just 1/8' in diameter,' PF&R said in a press release. 'The tool is designed to pierce through the metal protective battery compartment cover using the aggregate-water mix. Once the hole is made, the iron ore is removed from the stream and the water stream floods the compartment, quickly extinguishing the fire.' Portland team hits Disney with trademark lawsuit The water lance method also minimizes the risk of the battery fire rekindling, a common problem with this type of emergency, officials said. The Cold Cut Cobra Water Lance will be housed in the North Portland Heavy Squad 24 in the Overlook Neighborhood, providing quick access via I-5 to problematic areas of Portland streets where EV battery fires are likely to occur, PF&R said. The funding for the tool was made possible by the City of Portland's Bureau of Fleet and Facilities and the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. Back in September, lithium-ion batteries that experienced 'thermal runaway' were the root cause of a in Portland. Portland Fire said they had responded to a number of other fires caused by the lithium battery in e-scooters in the months leading up to the blaze. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
