Latest news with #PortlandFireandRescue
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘A joy yet a threat': How Portland Fire and Rescue is preparing to save swimmers in distress this summer
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Nine bodies have been pulled out of the Willamette and Clackamas rivers this year and rescue teams anticipate rescuing and recovering dozens more by the end of the year. KOIN 6 took a plunge in the water with the supervision of Portland Fire and Rescue to show how to stay safe this summer. That includes demonstrating how rescuers save people from drowning and sharing tips on how to prevent unnecessary deaths. Fred Meyer employee stole $60K for gambling 'This waterway is a – is a joy yet a threat,' said PF&R Public Information Office Rick Graves. Every year, an average of 40 Oregonians die from drowning in natural water like the Willamette River. Boating, fishing and swimming are all great activities to do on Oregon's waters over the summer but they can become deadly. 'We get marine calls so frequently. You know, we will respond to what is perceived to be somebody in the water, will respond to people who might be on the edge of the bridge, appearing as if they're going to jump so our response, submarine response, is very, very frequent,' said Graves. Rick Graves, a Portland Fire and Rescue spokesperson, explains the importance of water safety during the summer season. May 7, 2025 (KOIN). Drowning is the leading cause of death of children four and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The City of Portland said two-thirds of those deaths happen between May and August. 'There's an emotional component to our job, right? Like we see things that most of the public don't see,' Graves said. Last year in Oregon, 19 people died boating, according to the Oregon State Marine Board. They said it is likely that 16 of the victims would have survived their incidents had they worn a life jacket. Driver arrested after Hwy 26 motorcyclist hit-run 'Accidents can happen at any time, and we want people to be wearing their life jackets at all times so we don't have to encounter these, these traumatic situations in the water,' Graves explained. The Portland Fire and Rescue teams are out on these waters saving people all year long. To be prepared, they train. KOIN 6 News Reporter Ariel Salk slid into the cold, 60-degree Willamette River, taking a moment to catch her breath, then distanced herself from the PF&R team before it was time for them to demonstrate their practice by pulling her back onto the boat. KOIN 6 News Reporter Ariel Salk took a plunge in the water to help firefighters demonstrate how they do water rescues. May 7, 2025 (KOIN). KOIN 6 News Reporter Ariel Salk took a plunge in the water to help firefighters demonstrate how they do water rescues. May 7, 2025 (KOIN). KOIN 6 News Reporter Ariel Salk took a plunge in the water to help firefighters demonstrate how they do water rescues. May 7, 2025 (KOIN). Portland Fire's advice is that if you are in the water without a life jacket and can't make it to shore, don't panic while you wait to be rescued. That's exactly what Ariel Salk tried, lying still in the water as the rescuers brought her back onto the boat. 'If you take a large breath in and hold your breath and just hang, you can even hang with your face in the water and just relax. You're not active. You'll actually maintain buoyancy,' said Graves. So when you're out having fun, don't forget to wear a life jacket, don't turn your back on the water and keep an eye on children. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Lithium-ion battery explosion causes fire in PSU engineering building
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A lithium-ion battery explosion started a fire in the Portland State University engineering building Tuesday morning, according to fire officials. Crews arrived to find that a room on the fourth floor of the building was on fire just after 10:30 a.m. The building had already been evacuated, and crews went inside to investigate. Here's how much Portlanders think they need to retire comfortably Portland Fire and Rescue reported that crew members were 'turned out in all their gear, including wearing their mask and breathing from their bottle, as smoke from Li-Ion batteries are toxic and negatively affect the respiratory system.' The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes, and crews are currently working to remove the remaining 'small amount of smoke,' according to PF&R. Crews have not reported any injuries or toxic smoke inhalation as of 11 a.m. It is not clear what caused the explosion. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ringside Steakhouse closed temporarily after kitchen fire
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Ringside Steakhouse is temporarily closed after a fire in the kitchen on Saturday afternoon. According to Portland Fire and Rescue, crews responded to the fire at the West Burnside steakhouse around 2 p.m. on Saturday. In a Facebook post, the steakhouse announced that it will be closed for repairs and restoration due to the fire. 'We are heartbroken, but above all, we're grateful that everyone is safe,' the post reads. 'We will share updates as we have them, and we appreciate your patience and kindness during this time.' Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
