Smoke from Portland, OR, Recycling Center Fire Visible for Miles

July 18, 2024
Fire boats were utilized to get water to the scene, Portland Fire & Rescue officers said.

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.

 

 

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.