Nov. 15--An overnight explosion set off a 2-alarm fire early Friday at a Northeast Portland tavern and seafood restaurant.
Callers reported hearing an explosion and seeing sparks and smoke come out of a second story window at Pal's Shanty, in the 4600-block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard, shortly before 1:30 a.m.
Portland Fire & Rescue crews arrived to find heavy smoke and were immediately concerned fire in the tavern, located amid a small strip of businesses, would spread.
A second alarm was called adding additional engines and ladder trucks to the scene, said Lt. Rich Chatman, a spokesperson for the fire bureau.
But hazardous conditions inside the building forced crews to evacuate the structure until the fire's location and spread was determined. Then, with the help of multiple ladder truck companies, crews were ordered back in to finish extinguishing the fire, Chatman said.
Crews remained on-scene hours later, removing burnt material and debris from the interior so fire investigators could determine a cause.
No injuries to occupants, firefighters or pets were reported.
A notice on the restaurant's website said the business, formerly a silent movie theater that was turned into a tavern in 1922, has been under it's current ownership for about 30 years. The tavern would remain closed during repairs for the fire.
-- Kimberly A.C. Wilson
Copyright 2013 - The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.
