Just after noon today, crews were dispatched to a reported fire at 3302 SE 122nd Ave. in Portland.
Multiple callers reported heavy smoke and were unsure if there were people inside, so an ambulance was also dispatched. When crews arrived they found fire from the rear of the one-story portion of the Briarwood East Apartments.
The configuration of these apartments, volume of fire, and proximity to other apartments gave command concern but thanks to the aggressive fire attack from the first arriving crews the fire was knocked down quickly and did not extend to adjacent units. There was one person with minor injuries, they were evaluated and refused transport.
Our Arson Unit was called to the scene to investigate. They found that this was a fire started by a juvenile lighting illegal fireworks. Enforcement action is being taken in this case. Three adults and two children were displaced and the Red Cross was called to assist with housing for them.
