KGW photo

Smoke is visible from two homes fires on Belmont Street in Portland.

One firefighter was injured by falling glass Saturday when fire engulfed two side-by-side homes on Southeast 36th Avenue and Belmont Street, firefighters said.

Investigators think the fire may have started between the houses at 3633 SE Belmont St. but don't know the cause. When firefighters arrived they found heavy smoke and fire showing from both houses, from the main floors to the attics, said Kim Kosmas, a Portland Fire Bureau spokesman.  

Fire crews attacked the fires aggressively and were able to contain the fires within 30 minutes, she said. Ventilation teams cut holes in the roofs, and interior crews pulled ceilings and walls to be sure all extensions of the fires were out.

Although residents were home at the time the fire broke out, everyone was able to escape.

As a precaution, firefighters shut down Southeast 36th and Belmont to allow fire engine apparatus.

Red Cross were assisting both families left homeless because of the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.