Homeless Warming Fire Sparks Blaze at Portland Red Robin

**Portland Fire and Rescue** is **Oregon's largest fire protection and emergency medical services provider**, serving the City of Portland and surrounding areas across 151 square miles with a population exceeding 635,000.[2] The organization operates as the principal fire suppression, prevention, and rescue agency for Portland, Oregon. ## Historical Foundation The department's origins trace to May 22, 1854, when the Portland city council established the Portland Fire Department with H. W. Davis as its first chief engineer.[2] Initially composed of volunteer firefighters, the department underwent significant expansion in 1891 following Portland's consolidation with East Portland and Albina.[2] A pivotal transformation occurred in 1904 when the department officially transitioned to a fully paid fire department, marking a major operational milestone.[2] ## Organizational Structure and Operations Portland Fire and Rescue operates through five primary divisions: Office of the Chief, Emergency Operations, Prevention, Training, Safety & EMS, and Community Health.[1] The department maintains **30 fire stations** staffed by approximately **699 uniformed personnel and 57 civilian support staff**, making it the second-largest fire department in the Pacific Northwest after Seattle.[3] ## Specialized Capabilities The organization maintains sophisticated specialized units including a Hazmat Team (one of nine statewide response units), Dive Team, Technical Rescue Team, and Urban Search and Rescue company.[1][3] These capabilities enable response to complex emergencies including hazardous materials incidents and marine-based firefighting operations.[1] ## Modern Innovations A notable recent initiative is **Portland Street Response (PSR)**, launched February 16, 2021, which deploys specialized teams to assist citizens experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges.[3] PSR teams operate daily from 10am-8pm, combining firefighter/paramedics with license

**Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.** is an American casual dining chain renowned for its customizable gourmet burgers, bottomless steak fries, and family-friendly atmosphere, operating around 500 locations across the US and Canada.[1][3][7] Founded in 1969 in Seattle as Sam's Red Robin Tavern, entrepreneur Gerry Kingen acquired and rebranded it, transforming a modest 1,200 sq ft student hangout into a burger haven with 28 varieties that boosted sales.[1][2][4] Franchising began in 1979 in Yakima, Washington, fueling expansion; by 1983, 22 locations existed, and by 1986, over 175 spanned the US and Canada.[1][4] Headquarters moved to Greenwood Village, Colorado.[1][2] A 2011 quick-service spin-off, Red Robin's Burger Works, mostly shuttered by 2016, with survivors rebranded as Red Robin Express.[1] Key achievements include hitting 538 restaurants and $1.25 billion revenue by fiscal 2015, celebrating 50 years in 2019, and employing over 25,000 by 2025.[1][2][4][7] The mascot "Red" debuted in 1983, menu innovations added salads, apps, Donatos Pizza partnerships, craft brews, and 30+ bottomless drinks—all customizable and allergen-friendly.[3][4][5] Digital advancements shine: online ordering, delivery, app-based Royalty rewards, and data-driven personalization via the "North Star" plan and 2025 "First Choice" strategy for shareholder value.[5][7][9] As of late 2024, 498 restaurants operate (407 company-owned, 91 franchised) in 39 states and one Canadian province; 2025 saw 513 US outlets with 30 openings, leveraging tech for growth amid casual dining evolution.[3][6][