PORTLAND, Ore. – A smoky fire at a Northwest Portland apartment building sent two people to the hospital and displaced at least 50 more
residents Monday morning.
Portland firefighters responded to the Royal Arms apartment building at Northwest 18th Avenue and Lovejoy Street shortly before 7:30 Monday morning, and quickly worked to make sure everyone evacuated.
They found fire in an elevator and smoke spreading throughout the five-story brick building.
Fire crews rescued one patient from the fifth floor using a ladder and bucket, and found another patient as well. Both suffered smoke inhalation, the second patient was described as critically injured.
“The most critical element in these cases is smoke. It’s what causes the most serious injuries,” said Lt. Rich Chatman of Portland Fire & Rescue.
The fire went to two alarms, drawing a few dozen firefighters to the scene. The fire was quickly controlled and fire sprinkler systems helped keep it from spreading. But there was plenty of smoke and water damage.
Firefighters helped rescue or retrieve several pets inside the building, and get them to their families.
Posted by Tim Gordon (KGW-TV) on Monday, January 23, 2017
Daniel Jackson’s two dogs Daisy and Ru were hand delivered to her, bringing her relief.
“They did not have to go up there and do that, they said it was all safe the dogs and would have been fine,” said Jackson. “But I would have been terrified for the next few hours knowing that they were scared. So I am really thankful and grateful.”
The Red Cross set up a day shelter for more than 50 residents, at 1972 NW Flanders, and was offering other assistance as well. The cause of the fire in the elevator is under investigation.
(© 2017 KGW)