A two-alarm fire ignited by fireworks left one person critically injured and displaced multiple residents in a Southeast Portland apartment building on Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. in the 1600 block of Southeast 162nd Avenue, prompting a swift response from Portland Fire & Rescue.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames and multiple explosions, which led to the incident being upgraded to a second alarm. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as two residents were seen jumping from the building’s second floor in a desperate attempt to escape the inferno. One of those individuals was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Neighbors described a harrowing scene, with one woman calling for help amidst the chaos. Firefighters quickly assessed the damage and confirmed that fireworks were responsible for the explosions, further underscoring the dangers associated with their use. A fire crew member spoke with a separate resident who corroborated the cause of the fire, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Portland Fire & Rescue officials reported significant damage to the apartment building, with spokesperson Christine Pezzulo stating, “The whole front side of the structure is completely blown out. All the windows are blown out, but the structure itself is unstable at this time. It isn’t being held up by any other means.” The severity of the explosions left an entire side of the building exposed to the elements, creating a precarious situation for the remaining residents.
The aftermath revealed a scene of destruction, with broken glass littering the ground and surrounding vehicles. The overall structure of the building is now sagging, raising concerns about its integrity and the safety of those who lived there. As firefighters worked to contain the blaze, they focused on ensuring the safety of residents and assessing the full extent of the damage.
In addition to the critical injury, the fire has displaced multiple residents, leaving them without shelter and in need of assistance. Local agencies are likely to step in to provide support for those affected by the fire, emphasizing the community’s response to such emergencies.
