PORTLAND, Ore. — Two people are dead and several others were injured early Sunday morning when fire burned through two apartment buildings in Northeast Portland.
Firefighters arrived just after 3:30 a.m. Sunday to find two apartment buildings at Heidi Manor Apartments fully engulfed in flames, according to a news release. Firefighters treated several patients on the scene. Two people were taken to the hospital, although the extent of their injuries is unknown. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
During a press conference on Sunday, officials called the tragedy "preventable."
The fire happened near 22nd and Weidler in Northeast Portland. The first firefighters to arrive upgraded the call to “four alarms,” calling in additional help from across the city.
Fire crews said the apartment complex is made up of three separate buildings, and they were able to stop the fire from destroying one of them.
“Upon arrival, there were two completely involved buildings of the three-building structure. The third one started to catch fire but we were able to stop it before it completely involved that building,” said Terry Foster with Portland Fire & Rescue.
Malik Jackson said his family’s apartment was destroyed in the fire. He and his family members were able to evacuate the first-floor unit.
“I went to start to wake up my siblings and then my mom and my dad, they came to the door and by the time they came to the door, the fire was higher. So I was like, 'Alright, it’s time to get everybody out,'" Jackson said.
Fire investigators are still working to determine a cause and said it could take several days to complete their investigation.
One neighbor who lives very near the apartments told KGW he heard yelling and fireworks going off shortly before the fire broke out.
“About a half hour before the event I heard multiple fireworks, so I’m assuming that’s what it was,” said Quest Ratcliff.
Foster said two people were taken to the hospital with injuries, and a couple more people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said, "We’re working closely with the fire bureau to learn more as the investigation continues, and ask for everyone’s patience while work is done to determine the cause of this tragedy."
On Monday, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) released photos of three people seen near the fire. The people "may have information useful to the investigation," PPB said. Those people have since been identified.
If anyone saw anything suspicious, has photos or video of the fire, or any other relevant information, please call 503-823-INFO or email Detective Hopper at Meredith.Hopper@portlandoregon.gov.