Two rescued from burning townhome in Milwaukie

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two people were hospitalized after one went back into a burning Milwaukie townhome to rescue the other late Saturday morning.

Just after 10:30 a.m., multiple crews in Clackamas County responded to reports of a structure fire in the 14800 block of Southeast Rupert Drive with someone trapped inside a second-story bedroom.

Additionally, a second resident had gone back inside the home to help rescue them.

Officials said first arriving crews from Oak Grove noticed there was fire showing out the first floor window, making it difficult to enter through the front door. But once inside, they went upstairs to search for the two residents, immediately finding one.

Clackamas Fire District crews then arrived, with some firefighters using a hose line to fight the flames, while others searched for and found the second resident.

Crews then pulled ladders outside the back side of the house from the second story window, where they removed both victims.

The two were taken to a hospital and officials say their current conditions have not been released at this time.

Crews were able to quickly secure hose lines to successfully put out the fire before it spread to neighboring townhomes.

Battalion Chief Josh Santos with the Clackamas Fire District noted the fire station only being three blocks from the scene helped immensely.

“We were very fortunate in the proximity of our fire station to this house is literally within blocks,” said Josh Santos, Battalion Chief with Clackamas Fire District. “So we were here within just a few minutes, which allows us to maximize our ability and our training to get inside, get to the second story and rescue those victims as fast as we possibly can.”

Chief Santos said there were also three dogs in the home at the time the fire was first reported. Crews later found two of them with a neighbor, however a third dog is still missing.

Additionally, the house will need a full remodel, since there was heavy fire damage on the first floor, then smoke and more fire damage on the second floor.

Chief Santos also offered advice for anyone who might be stuck in a burning home.

“If you find yourself caught between the fire and where you’re at, find yourself into a bedroom.” he said. “Close the door, which gives us more time to isolate you from the fire and we can go save you.”

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.