GRESHAM, Ore.–Firefighter Spencer Tejedas talked with reporters today. It was the first time he came forward to speak about what happened while fighting a fire back in late May. He has only been home from the hospital for a few days. Tejedas risked his life when he heard a child might have been in the burning duplex on Southeast 182nd. He decided not to wait for a hose line because it may have taken too long. Because of the severity of his injures, Spencer had the majority of his fingers amputated. Three other firefighters were injured fighting the fire that was started by an unattended candle.
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At approximately 9 pm on Thursday, May 30, Gresham Fire Department and Portland Fire and Rescue responded to the reports of a duplex on fire at the 1300 block of Southeast 182nd Street. Due to the quick work of the responding crews, the fire was contained to a single duplex unit and no civilians were injured.
This was a complex response, as the nature of the fire evolved rapidly. During the incident, three Gresham firefighters sustained injuries and were transported to the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Two of the firefighters have been treated and released. However, firefighter Spencer Tejedas remains hospitalized at this time.
Firefighter Tejedas suffered severe burns on more than 45% of his body. He is sedated and intubated at the Oregon Burn Center and is considered to be in critical condition.
“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,” said Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis. “Our hearts go out to the entire Tejedas family.”
The Gresham Fire Department would like to ask that the privacy of the Tejedas family be respected during this challenging time.
After further investigation, it has been determined that the fire was accidental and caused by an unattended candle.