At 5:04 a.m. on Feb. 18 dispatchers alerted a fire crews to a report of burning vegetation that was spreading to two nearby structures at SE 104th Avenue and Schiller Street in Portland.
Upon arrival at 5:08 Engine 11 encountered a fully involved detached garage with potential fire exposure to two adjacent homes. It was unclear whether smoke issuing from vents on the structures was from actual fire or ambient smoke, so crews made access to the homes to investigate.
"With the potential for there to be up to three buildings involved our crews were going to be very busy with firefighting efforts," said Battalion Chief Rich Stenhouse. "A neighbor across the street went well above and beyond by waking the occupants of one of the houses that was on fire."
No injuries were reported.
The vast majority of fire damage was on the exterior of the homes and a fence.
Damage to each home was estimated at $5,000 and the garage was a total loss. Damage to a fence and other property is believed to be $1,000.
A total of four engines, one truck and two chief officers responded along with a fire investigator and the public information officer.
