This weekend brought a major tragedy. Portland Fire & Rescue said Saturday morning units responded shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday to a residential fire in the 6400 block of N. Greeley. On arrival, crews found smoke coming from the single-story residence with an elderly woman dead.
Upon arrival, the first crew forced through the homes front door to attack the fire and to conduct a search for anyone inside. Firefighters witnessed fire showing from the back of the residence with additional challenges made from “clutter inside the home.” Challenges also came when the fire burned a hole in the floor of the kitchen.
When the fire attack team reached the fire, they were able to extinguish it quickly. The additional search found one elderly woman deceased in the back room of the home. Fire investigators have been called and are investigating what caused the fire. It is believed at this time to be accidental. No specific cause has been determined, however.
Lt. Laurent Picard with Portland Fire & Rescue, says of recent fires, “It’s really hard to say whether the cold temperatures had anything to do with these fires.” Picard also commented, “But that said, as colder temperatures come, we ask people to watch their open flame devices including fireplaces and candles. Get their chimneys cleaned at least once a year and space heaters need to be far away from any flammable combustible objects in their house.”
