PORTLAND, OR (KPTV/AP) -
Portland fire investigators have determined that improperly discarded smoking materials started a fire at a Multnomah Village condominium complex that injured two firefighters.
Crews found black smoke and intense flames when they responded to the two-alarm fire at 7931 SW 40th Ave. on Wednesday afternoon.
SLIDESHOW: Multnomah Village fire
At one point, the flames and heat at The Village at Multnomah condos were so intense that firefighters had to back out.
While battling the blaze, two firefighters suffered minor burns and heat exhaustion. They were trying to save an infant and babysitter they thought were trapped inside. It was later learned everyone had gotten out safely before crews reached the scene.
The two injured firefighters were taken to the burn unit at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. One of them suffered burns to his knee, ear and hands. The other suffered burns to one hand and broke his other hand.
A third firefighter fell through the roof of the condo complex, but wasn't hurt.
The specific type of smoking material that started the fire has not been released.
Fire Bureau spokesman Paul Corah said Wednesday's blaze started in a plastic container on the porch and spread to six condominium units. Eight people were displaced by the fire.
Copyright 2012 KPTV (Meredith Corporation.) All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
