House fire kills 2 cats, causes downed, arcing power line in Southeast Portland

A house fire in Southeast Portland caused a downed, arcing power line and killed two cats late Saturday morning, authorities say.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A house fire in Southeast Portland caused a downed, arcing power line and killed two cats late Saturday morning, authorities say.

Just before 10 a.m., PF&R crews responded to the 3200 block of Southeast Woodstock Boulevard on reports of the arcing power line potentially impacting a nearby home.

On arrival, crews immediately found fire coming from the two-story home and the arcing power line in the driveway. They learned the flames had started in and were mostly confined to the second floor. However, it spread to the attic, then to the roof, causing the downed power line.

PGE then reportedly arrived on scene and disconnected the arcing power line.

PF&R Battalion Chief Marty Getch told KOIN 6 News that overall, it took less than 15 minutes to get the fire under control.

"This one was pretty straightforward," he noted. "[Crews] said it was easy to get to and just get up there and get after it."

While authorities say no injuries were reported, two cats were found dead in the home.

While crews work to put out any potential hotspots left, commuters are encouraged to avoid the area at this time.