Ore. Firefighters Rescue Couple From Rising Water

Jan. 31, 2013
Portland (Ore.) Fire & Rescue pulled a man and a woman off an island and to safety on Tuesday after rising waters stranded them in Johnson Creek with no way to get back to shore.

Portland (Ore.) Fire & Rescue pulled a man and a woman off an island and to safety on Tuesday after rising waters stranded them in Johnson Creek with no way to get back to shore, according to a news release from the department.

A crew from Station 29, Powellhurst, arrived at about 5:45 p.m., six minutes after the initial call, and requested a swift-water rescue response, the news release said.

The team from Station 1 in Old Town and Gresham Fire & Emergency Service, Station 75 arrived about 20 minutes after they were requested and a plan was formulated to rescue the couple, said the news release.

A raft was used in conjunction with a rope system and rescue divers were deployed to reach the two victims, about an hour after call for help was made, according to the news release.

Both victims were evaluated at the scene and were not transported to the hospital, according to the release. They were also offered housing, but declined the offer.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!