PORTLAND FIRE & RESCUE RESPONDS TO A COMMERCIAL FIRE (PHOTO)
News Release from Portland Fire & Rescue
Posted on FlashAlert: August 23rd, 2015 9:51 AM
Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a commercial fire at 14321 NE Whitaker Way at 6:12am this morning. Initial reports were that employees had evacuated, and smoke and flames were seen inside the building. Additional calls came in from neighboring businesses with reports of heavy black smoke coming from the roof. Upon arrival crews quickly gained access to the building and began searching for the seat of the fire. A 2nd alarm was called because of the size of the structure, and the nee d for additional resources due to the fact that the location was a commercial laundering business. This type of business has a potential for a large fire load because of the number of garments, towels, chemicals such as detergents, and cleaners, etc.
Within minutes of arrival crews were able to locate the seat of the fire in the SW corner of the building. The sprinkler system had activated, and was a key element in keeping the fire at bay until fire fighters were able to gain access and knock it down. Truck crews were able to ventilate the building efficiently by removing the sky lights on the roof of the building.
PF&R's Investigator determined the fire to be accidental. The cause of the fire was determined to be a laundry bin full of oil soaked rags that had a chemical reaction and started the fire. This type of fire can occur when a oil soaked towel or rag is slowly heated to its ignition point through oxidation.
Portland Fire & Rescue wants to remind citizens to follow these steps to properly and safely dispose of oily rags:
* Use a metal container with a tight fitting lid.
* Rags that have absorbed oils (such as linseed oil or turpentine) should be thoroughly dried before collection or transport.
Additional information on response:
8 Engines
4 Trucks
1 Squad
1 Investigator
5 Chiefs
1 Rehab rig
Within minutes of arrival crews were able to locate the seat of the fire in the SW corner of the building. The sprinkler system had activated, and was a key element in keeping the fire at bay until fire fighters were able to gain access and knock it down. Truck crews were able to ventilate the building efficiently by removing the sky lights on the roof of the building.
PF&R's Investigator determined the fire to be accidental. The cause of the fire was determined to be a laundry bin full of oil soaked rags that had a chemical reaction and started the fire. This type of fire can occur when a oil soaked towel or rag is slowly heated to its ignition point through oxidation.
Portland Fire & Rescue wants to remind citizens to follow these steps to properly and safely dispose of oily rags:
* Use a metal container with a tight fitting lid.
* Rags that have absorbed oils (such as linseed oil or turpentine) should be thoroughly dried before collection or transport.
Additional information on response:
8 Engines
4 Trucks
1 Squad
1 Investigator
5 Chiefs
1 Rehab rig
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