Oregon house fire extinguished; resident didn’t want to leave

PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland Fire and Rescue spokesman says firefighters found an elderly woman still in her home when they arrived to deal with a fire.

Lt. Damon Simmons says the woman reportedly was reluctant to leave Thursday evening because she was concerned about her dogs. Firefighters extinguished the bedroom fire, which had an electrical cause.

The spokesman says the woman was evaluated on scene and didn’t want to be taken to a hospital. There was little structural damage and both she and her dogs were able to remain in the home.

Simmons says the fire department recommends that residents get out and stay out in the event of a fire. He says firefighters can focus on both rescuing pets and putting out the fire if they know the people are safe.