Firefighters called to battle two-alarm fire at downtown Portland apartment complex

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Firefighters were called Monday evening to a two-alarm fire at a six-story apartment complex located at Southwest 10th Avenue and Salmon Street.

Firefighters said they extinguished a fire on the second floor of the Fountain Place Apartments. Rick Graves, a spokesman for Portland Fire & Rescue, said the fire was contained to one unit.

Smoke was coming from floors two and three of the building and firefighters asked residents on the second floor to shelter in place while crews ventilated the building.

“While evacuating the structure, one of our firefighters was traveling from the second to third floor and encountered one of the occupants attempting to descend from the third to second floor via the stairwell,” Graves said. “The stairwell was filled with active black smoke and he was having difficulty breathing, so our member removed his mask and placed it over the face of the individual who was trying to exit.”

This resident was examined by firefighters and doctors for smoke inhalation. He did not need to be taken to hospital.

Some people were evacuated, but Graves did not immediately have a specific number.

A resident was displaced.