A fire broke out at 4:21 a.m. Sunday morning at the Goose Hollow Residence Hall, located at 1604 SW Clay. The fire was contained to a single room on the 11th floor of the 16-story building. No people or pets were seriously injured in the event.
The building is home to many Portland State students, though it is owned and operated by non-profit organization College Housing Northwest and is not affiliated with PSU.
Monica Drewer-Tabacchi, vice president for CHNW, said in an email, “The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed by the Fire Marshall. We do know that the cause was specific to that unit and that there is not any ongoing risk.”
An article published by OregonLive reported that an unattended candle caused the fire and the unit’s resident was awoken by the building’s fire alarm.
Drewer-Tabacchi added that though the fire was contained to one room, the smoke affected the entire 11th floor.
Occupants of the 11th floor have been moved to alternate rooms in the building, and their displacement will be temporary.
“CHNW is working quickly to clean up the water damage from the fire-sprinklers and get other tenants back in their rooms as quickly as possible,” Drewer-Tabacchi said.
Drewer-Tabacchi said CHNW is planning to respond to this fire as a learning opportunity. “We intend to [use] this event to encourage student knowledge and responsibility.”
She continued by saying CHNW will focus on promoting knowledge of fire safety, insurance, heath and wellness in relation to crisis, and personal responsibility to the community.
PSU’s Center for Student Health and Counseling provides services for students experiencing crises. Visit pdx.edu/shac/center-for-student-health-and-counseling for more information.
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