Three Gresham firefighters were injured in a house fire, with one sustaining burns to almost half their body.
Firefighters were called to a duplex fire Thursday about 9 p.m. and found a working fire, which was contained to one unit in the duplex.
"This was a complex response as the nature of the fire evolved rapidly," the department shared in a statement.
Three firefighters were injured and transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.
Firefighter Spencer Tejedas "suffered severe burns on over 45% of his body. He is sedated and intubated at the Oregon Burn Center and is considered to be in critical condition."
The other two firefighters were treated and released.
"Incidents of this nature are a harrowing reminder that despite our best efforts with robust training and protective gear just how dangerous the job of a firefighter is," Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis said.
A GoFundMe has been established to help Tejadas recover and assist his family. As of Sunday monring, the effort has raised over $100,000.
Fire investigators said the cause of the fire was accidental, having been sparked by a candle.
