The May apartments in Southwest Portland, Oregon, have been left in ruins after a fire swept through the building nearly a week ago. Since then, over 100 former tenants have been displaced and left to pick up the pieces. Some have been helped by the Red Cross, while others have had to rely on friends and family for support. For many, the situation has been overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
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Nicholas Gomez, one of the displaced tenants, spoke about the challenges he and others have faced since the fire. “Right now, it’s just walking with our heads down low. We want to rest, but we have to keep going,” he said. Many residents have felt left in the dark during this difficult time, struggling to find answers and support.
On Tuesday, for the first time since the fire, the Portland Fire Rescue (PF&R) announced that a fire investigator will be entering the building to assess the damage and determine the cause of the fire. The investigation is expected to uncover important information that could shed light on what happened and help residents move forward.
“I’m sure they’re going to uncover some things,” Gomez said. “I have no doubt.” He has been struggling since the fire, as he was unable to grab his wallet or other crucial identifying documents before fleeing the building. He hopes that the investigation will deem the building safe to enter, allowing him to search through his old home for anything that could help him during this difficult time.
“There’s just a lot of people who were financially struggling and they want answers too,” Gomez said. Many residents are hoping for a resolution to this devastating situation, so they can start to rebuild their lives. In the meantime, Gomez has set up an online fundraiser to help him get back on his feet. The fundraiser has already received significant support from the community, highlighting the importance of coming together during times of crisis.
The fire at The May apartments serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the devastating consequences that can result from a fire. It is crucial to take necessary precautions to prevent fires from occurring and to have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
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