One employee sustained minor injuries in a fire at the “Hope in Care” facility in Southeast Portland. Portland Fire and Rescue got the call just after 1 a.m. that the roof of building was on fire. It was reported that everyone else made it out of the building safely. Portland Fire and Rescue said it was a four-alarm fire at a care home on Pardee Street early last Wednesday morning.
The residents of the building. Some were sitting in wheelchairs, watching thei care facility in flames. There was still danger. At about 1:44 a.m. the roof of the facility collapsed, however, no one was hurt from the debris.
The fire was under control by 2:30 a.m. Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty released a statement about the incident.
“This had the potential to be a mass casualty event had it not been for the heroism of the care facility employees and Portland Fire & Rescue’s Fire Fighters, who together evacuated everyone in the building and prevented a horrible tragedy,” she said. “These dangerous fires demand extra resources throughout the entire City and I’m thankful to all that stepped up to ensure the continuation of services for all Portlanders while this rescue operation was underway.”
A statement was also given by the fire chief.
“First and foremost, I want to commend the heroism of the two on-site employees who risked their lives starting the initial evacuation of the residents under heavy fire conditions,” said Fire Chief Sara Boone. “When firefighters arrived their number priority was the immediate rescue of every resident within the facility under worsening fire conditions. Because of their tactical decisions and valiant efforts so many lives were saved and turned near tragedy into an incredible success story.”
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
