A fire at a metal recycling facility quickly escalated to four alarms.
A plume of black smoke was visible for miles in the St. Johns neighborhood is sending a plume of black smoke visible from as far away as downtown Portland
Portland Fire & Rescue crews responded the center where a large scrap pile was on fire. Aerial apparatus was set up. Later, they determined it was two piles and the flames were threatening a nearby structures, KGW reported.
Vancouver firefighters joined the efforts.
Plant supervisors have confirmed that all employees are accounted for and out of the facility, fire officials added.
Crews used fire boats to pump water from the river. Heavy equipment was used to remove material from the piles so firefighters could gain access to the fire.
The operation continued late Wednesday.
