Portland driver crashes into home, ignites fire

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A driver crashed into a home in the Sullivan's Gulch neighborhood of Northeast Portland late Christmas Eve, striking a gas line and sparking a fire, according to Portland Fire and Rescue.

Firefighters responded to the scene around 11:20 p.m. on Northeast Weidler Street and 20th Avenue and discovered that the vehicle had collided with the home's gas meter, igniting the blaze. Crews worked to remove the car from the fire to extinguish the flames.

With assistance from Northwest Natural, firefighters successfully clamped the gas line to prevent further danger. In addition to battling the fire, they provided oxygen to a family's cat found at the scene.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control within approximately 90 minutes.

It was not the first time someone crashed into that home. One neighbor said it was only a matter of time before a crash this serious occurred.

"The porch just got finished being rebuilt and the masonry redone from the accident that happened in October," Kevin Walsh said. "So this happens regularly to that house, that people miss the turn. They go too fast. They miss the turn almost always."

The cause of the crash is under investigation.