At 8:49 p.m., March 25, the Bismarck Fire Department responded to a report of an apartment fire at 1007 Portland Dr.  Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames in a first floor apartment unit. There were also occupants of several upper floor apartments on their balconies needing rescue. Firefighters rescued all occupants and verified that all apartments were empty. Firefighters battled the fire and contained it to the single unit which did receive significant damage from fire and smoke.

Three people were reported to be in the apartment at the time of the fire but managed to escape. One occupant was transported to the hospital.

Several families were displaced by the fire and all but the occupants of the affected apartment are expected to reoccupy their apartments in a few days. Red Cross has provided temporary housing assistance to the displaced families. The Fire Department Chaplain and the Bismarck Police Department also assisted with the fire.

Preliminary fire loss estimates exceed $ 30,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.