Crews in SE Portland were dispatched to reports of a tree falling into a structure due to the weather event the metro area is currently experiencing at 12:18 PM. The first arriving crew encountered a different tree down affecting the preferred route of travel and redirected themselves while also alerting all other responding crews to the need for a backup plan for travel to the scene.
The engine arrived to find a “large tree resting on a home with damage to the structure”. The engine officer took command and directed his crew and other firefighters on scene to make entry and assess the situation. The team members were unable to enter the front of the home due to the tree so went around to the back slider door and were able to gain access to the home.
The inside crew reported that there was a resident pinned into their recliner by the large tree and the incident was upgraded by the chief to include the confined space technical rescue team. As the increased response was sent across the radios, the inside crew reported they were able to move the recliner backwards and get the individual free without any need for any other crews on scene.
The increased response was cancelled with all crews on scene working to be certain there were no other injuries, and all utilities were evaluated to be unaffected or turned off as a result of the tree damage.
The individual was walked out their garage which was the least damaged portion of the home and assessed medically by responders on scene. There were minor injuries sustained and no transport to the hospital was needed by the ambulance on scene. The homeowner has contacted their insurance company and hopeful the home can be secured prior to any precipitation hitting the area.
