Portland Apartment Fire Caused by Improperly Discarded Cigarette
The residents of the apartment were not at home when the fire was reported.
(PORTLAND, Ore. ) — Sunday at 12:55 p.m., Portland Fire and Rescue responded to an apartment fire at 7820 SE Aspen Summit Drive.
When they arrived firefighters from Station 11 found a fire burning on a third floor apartments' balcony.
Firefighters began attacking the fire and evacuating residents, additional fire was found burning in the attic.
Fire commanders called for a second alarm due to the necessary number of evacuations and the fact that fire can rapidly spread from apartment to apartment through the attic space.
The fire was brought under control, and firefighters began the overhaul process (searching for additional hidden fire and removing burning debris).
A fire investigator was called to the scene and he determined that this fire was caused when smoking material (cigarette) was improperly discarded in a planter.
The residents of the apartment were not at home when the fire was reported and no injuries were associated with this fire.
The main fire apartment will be uninhabitable and the residents will find shelter elsewhere.
Nearby units (on each side) suffered varying amounts of damage but the residents will likely be able to stay in their homes.
Damage estimates for this fire are not yet available.
According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal:
One out of ten fires on Oregon Home properties is started by cigarettes.
Cigarettes are the #1 cause of home fire deaths in Oregon. Forty six percent of fatal fire victims died in fires started by cigarettes.
One out of every six home fire injuries in Oregon were sustained in fires started by cigarettes.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable home fire deaths.
About one out of four fire deaths are caused by smoking materials.
Put out all cigarettes, cigars, or pipes before you leave the room.
Never smoke in bed.
Use deep ashtrays. Don't put ashtrays on the arms of sofas or chairs.
Keep matches and lighters locked up, away from children. Teach children to tell you if they find a lighter or matches.
If smokers have visited, check floors and seat cushions for butts and ashes that may have dropped.
Source: Portland Fire and Rescue
