Family leaps from balcony to escape 4-alarm fire at Portland apartment

A fire that engulfed a 19-unit apartment complex on East Burnside Street in Portland on July 11, suspected to be arson, led to a four-alarm response from local firefighters. The incident prompted a family to escape by jumping from a second-story balcony, with Abraham Olmos recounting the intense moment when he helped his nearly 80-year-old mother leap to safety. Olmos bravely re-entered the burning building to rescue their dog, narrowly avoiding the flames. Investigators have linked the fire to neighbor Shaun Szwarz, who faces 20 charges related to the incident and is scheduled to appear in court. The fire resulted in injuries to Olmos's mother, whose bloodied footprints were left on the sidewalk after the evacuation.

Firefighters successfully rescued eight other residents trapped inside the building as they battled the blaze. This incident highlights the importance of having emergency escape plans in place, a sentiment echoed by Olmos in the aftermath. Local authorities are continuing their investigation as the community supports those affected by the devastating fire.