Portland, OR. — Crews from Portland Fire & Rescue responded early Tuesday morning to a reported fire at the Red Robin restaurant on NE Grand Avenue in Portland’s Lloyd District.
Upon arrival, firefighters found an exterior fire burning against the building’s south wall near the Denny’s parking lot. A cleaning crew on site told responders the fire had extended into the building’s interior. Firefighters entered the structure and confirmed the blaze had spread into the wall space, prompting the incident commander to upgrade the response to a full first-alarm assignment.
Crews opened the affected wall and extinguished the fire before it could spread further. Officials said the early 911 call and swift actions by responding companies prevented flames from extending upward into the concealed attic and cockloft area above the sprinkler system—an outcome that could have caused extensive damage to the entire building.
No injuries were reported. Investigators determined the fire originated from a warming fire at a nearby houseless camp.
Portland Fire & Rescue urged the public to use safe heating methods as temperatures drop. Guidance includes keeping outdoor fires contained in metal containers at least 15 feet from structures, burning only clean firewood where permitted, avoiding makeshift heating devices that can cause fires or carbon monoxide poisoning, and checking on neighbors—especially older adults—who may be more vulnerable to cold conditions.
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