***UPDATED WITH FIRE CAUSE*** PORTLAND FIRE & RESCUE RESPONDING TO 2ND ALARM COMMERCIAL FIRE IN NE PORTLAND
Posted: July 4th, 2011 11:24 PM
Updated with Fire Cause:
Portland Fire Investigators have determined that this fire was caused by illegal fireworks that landed on the roof of this commercial structure and ignited the fast-moving blaze. The roofs of the businesses at 1725 NE Alberta (Barista Coffee Shop) and 1733 NE Alberta (Aviary) were heavily damaged in the blaze. Investigators estimate damages from this fire to be $60,000 to the structure and $40,000 to the contents of the building.
Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens that Oregon law bans possession, use, or sale of any fireworks that fly, explode, travel more than one foot into the air, or more than six feet on the ground. These fireworks are illegal, and as illustrated by tonight's fire, can cause significant damage to property and put lives and safety in jeopardy.
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At 10:06 pm, Portland firefighters responded to reports of a fire at the Barista Coffee Shop located at 1725 NE Alberta St. First arriving crews encountered heavy fire and smoke coming through the roof of the structure. Firefighters immediately took a defensive attack on this fire and the incident commander called for a 2nd alarm bringing additional resources, firefighters, and apparatus (trucks and engines) to the scene.
Firefighters later transitioned to an offensive fire attack and were able to knock down the fire and residual hot spots inside the structure. The business at 1733 NE Alberta, Aviary, was also impacted by this fire. Fire Investigators are currently on scene working to determine the fire's cause. Damage estimates are not yet available. Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night.
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Media staging will be between NE 17th and NE 18th Avenues on the south side of the street. A Public Information Officer is now on scene.
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Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to a 2nd alarm commercial fire at NE 18th Ave. and NE Alberta St. A Public Information Officer is en route to the scene and will be arriving shortly.
More information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
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