Man rescued from burning NW Portland apartment building with serious injuries

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A man trapped inside a Northwest Portland apartment on fire was rescued out a window and taken to a hospital with serious burn injuries Sunday morning, authorities said.

The same fire also hospitalized another resident, as well as a firefighter.

Crews originally responded to the 1200 block of Northwest 23rd Avenue on reports of a structure fire at around 9 a.m.

Officials said firefighters first arriving at the scene noticed heavy gray smoke coming from a second-story window and a resident was stuck on the top floor.

The resident was rescued after being extricated out of a third-story window, then taken to a hospital. Authorities said he is in serious condition from burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

Crews next worked to cut a hole in the roof, releasing trapped smoke from the attic space.

Although the fire was successfully extinguished, officials said three residents were displaced.

During the rescue, authorities said one of the firefighters also injured his back while extricating the resident from the window, so he was also taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Additionally, the fire extended to a nearby apartment, and a resident there was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Further, authorities said a dog and a cat were killed.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.