PORTLAND, Ore. — A fast-moving fire destroyed two floating homes and threatened several others in a floating home community along the Columbia River early Friday morning, prompting a large response from Portland Fire & Rescue and regional fire agencies.
Portland Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched at approximately 3:50 a.m. to the Pier West Floating Home Community in the 1500 block of North Marine Drive, south of Hayden Island near the Interstate 5 Bridge. Firefighters responding to the scene could see the glow of the flames and a heavy plume of smoke drifting across the river before arriving.
When crews reached the community, they found two floating homes heavily involved in fire, with flames extending toward neighboring homes located only a few feet apart.
Truck 8 was the first unit on scene and encountered residents attempting to fight the fire by filling buckets with river water and throwing it onto the flames. Firefighters quickly directed residents away from the burning structures and focused on rescue efforts.
One of the homes was already fully engulfed and considered unsurvivable. Firefighters attempted to enter a second heavily involved home but were forced back by intense heat and flames. Crews then moved to a nearby residence, awakened sleeping occupants, and safely escorted them from the structure. Investigators later confirmed that all occupants of the fire-damaged homes escaped without injury.
Additional crews concentrated on establishing a water supply and attacking the fire. Engine 26 supplied water to the dock’s standpipe system through a fire department connection, while firefighters from Engines 14 and 24 carried hose lines along the dock to combat the blaze. Engine 22 assisted with suppression efforts and stood ready as a land-based rescue team.
A second alarm was requested as commanders evaluated the possibility of needing additional water supply resources and personnel. However, first-alarm crews were able to quickly gain control of the fire, limiting the amount of work required from incoming second-alarm companies. Truck 13 was assigned to provide scene lighting in the poorly illuminated dock area.
Fireboats also played a critical role in the operation. Portland Fire & Rescue’s Fireboat 17, based on Hayden Island, was assigned as a water-rescue resource in case firefighters entered the river. Fireboat 80 from Portland International Airport Fire responded as well, pumping water directly from the Columbia River and using its deck gun to attack the most heavily damaged home from the water.
The fire generated enough radiant heat to damage a floating home under construction approximately 50 feet away. Firefighters were assigned to protect the structure and prevent fire spread.
Officials said the primary fire threat was eliminated within about 20 minutes, though crews remained on scene throughout the day conducting overhaul and extinguishing hot spots.
The fire ultimately destroyed two floating homes. A third floating home under construction sustained exterior charring, while a fourth home experienced minor damage during rescue operations. No injuries were reported.
The Portland Fire & Rescue and Portland Police Bureau Fire Investigations Unit remained on scene Friday conducting interviews and examining the scene to determine the cause of the fire.
Fire officials noted the unique challenges associated with battling fires in floating home communities. Firefighters are required to wear personal flotation devices while operating near the water, adding bulk and complexity to firefighting operations. Limited hydrant access, difficult nighttime navigation, tripping hazards along docks, and the possibility of burning homes breaking free from their moorings all increase the risks involved.
Portland Fire & Rescue thanked Portland International Airport Fire, Vancouver Fire Department crews who responded on the second alarm, and Portland General Electric personnel who assisted with electrical safety concerns during the incident.
The fire also marked the final emergency response of Deputy Chief Aimee Rooney’s 30-year career. Rooney, who officially retired at 8 a.m. during shift change, responded to the scene and helped coordinate incoming resources while working with affected residents and the American Red Cross to ensure displaced occupants received assistance.
Rooney’s final incident capped a distinguished career with Portland Fire & Rescue, which included being named the agency’s Firefighter of the Year more than a decade ago.
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