Portland Cully Fourplex Fire Displaces 10 People

A fire that tore through the back of a small apartment building in Northeast Portland on Monday morning, Oct. 12, has left 10 people without a home. No one was injured, and the cause has not been determined.

What happened

Portland Fire & Rescue was called at about 10:44 a.m. to the 6200 block of Northeast Simpson Street in the Cully neighborhood, KPTV reported. Crews saw a column of smoke while still on the way. When they arrived, they found thick smoke coming from the rear of a two-story building with four apartments and heavy fire on its back side.

A second alarm was called to bring more firefighters and equipment, and the fire was brought under control quickly afterward. KATU reported that firefighters cut openings in the roof to release smoke and heat and that the fire was under control shortly after 11 a.m.

Who was affected

KPTV reported that 10 people were displaced and are getting help from the American Red Cross. KATU's early report did not give a displacement count. Both outlets said no injuries had been reported, and KATU said a primary search of the building found no one inside. Neither story said how many of the four apartments are uninhabitable, so it is not yet clear whether every household lost its home or whether some may be able to return after repairs.

The two reports place the fire slightly differently: KPTV says the 6200 block of Northeast Simpson Street, while KATU's text puts it near Northeast 62nd Avenue and Simpson and a photo caption says Northeast 64th. Neither gave a street number.

Cause and investigation

The cause is under investigation, and officials had released no further details in the reports we reviewed. Until investigators say otherwise, no cause should be assumed.

What this means for renters

Fires in small buildings can spread fast, which is why working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan matter wherever you live. If you rent in a fourplex or similar building, consider these steps:

• Check your alarms. Press the test button monthly and ask your landlord in writing to fix any alarm that does not sound. Landlord obligations on alarms vary by state and city, so check your local rules.
• Know two exits. In a building with a rear exit, make sure it is not blocked by storage, and that you know how to open any door or window you would need.
• Get renters insurance. Policies are often inexpensive and can cover temporary housing and lost belongings. A landlord's policy covers the building, not your possessions.
• If displaced, ask for details in writing. That includes whether your lease continues, whether rent is owed for a unit you cannot use, and when your deposit will be returned.
• Use local help. The Red Cross is assisting those affected, and Portland-area tenant organizations and legal aid groups can explain your rights after a fire.

Portland Fire & Rescue had not announced a cause or a damage estimate in the coverage we reviewed. We will report substantial new facts if they are released, including the investigation findings and whether the building will be repaired.

Neither report said how long residents expect to be out of their homes. The fire is a reminder that a blaze at the back of a building can grow before neighbors notice it from the street. If you smell or see smoke, leave first and call 911 from outside.