4 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

The Portland Fire Department responded quickly to a second Hayden Island blaze in the same neighborhood as the previous night's incident. Crews arrived on scene shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday to battle the roughly 5-acre fire. Fifty-six firefighters worked on the site and successfully contained the fire and secured the structures. In another related event, a field fire near Lebanon prompted Level 3 evacuations, resulting in nearly 40 acres being scorched. Initially, the nearest fire engine was dispatched to investigate the smoke, alongside a few specialized rigs for wildland fires. As the crews arrived, they were met with the visible magnitude of the fire, with flames reaching heights of around 15 feet and engulfing the surrounding trees.

We took this video from KPTV FOX 12 Oregon YouTube Channel.

Considering the possibility of additional fire engines facing delays due to peak hour traffic, the first incoming fire chief made the decision to call for a 2nd alarm. After three hours of relentless efforts, the command officer assessed the situation as under control, with a significant number of the 56 firefighters remaining on site to thoroughly extinguish any remaining hot spots.

Despite the challenges posed by rush hour traffic, Portland Fire Rescue's dedication and swift response allowed them to effectively manage the situation. The second alarm was called to ensure an adequate number of resources were available to combat the fire on Hayden Island.

This incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildfires and the crucial role that firefighters play in protecting lives and property. Their bravery and dedication in the face of such challenging circumstances are commendable.