Residents evacuated as four-alarm Portland fire spreads

PORTLAND — Portland Fire and Rescue personnel responded to a four-alarm scrap yard fire at Northeast 75th Avenue and Northeast Killingsworth Street in Portland on Monday morning. Multiple vehicles caught fire and the black smoke rising from the fire could be seen as far away as Hazel Dell.

A duplex and an apartment complex have been burned in the fire. No injuries have been reported.

Videos shared on social media showed area residents scrambling to load pets and possessions into vehicles to evacuate as clouds of black smoke hover in the Northeast Portland neighborhood. According to the fire agency, 16 cats were killed in the fire. The Oregon Humane Society  is offering to help shelter displaced pets.

Portland fire said piles of scrap cars caught fire, and the blaze was difficult to fight because of the wind, flammable materials and an inadequate water supply in that part of northeast Portland. Multiple agencies are providing assistance.

Residents were evacuated on Northeast 75th west to 72nd, and on Alberta north to Killingsworth. Residents within mile auto yard fire were told to shut down HVAC systems and shelter in place, according to the fire department. Portland Public Schools evacuated students from Sacajawea Elementary School. Other schools kept students inside for the day.

Multnomah County’s La Clinica de Buena Salud and the social service program Bienestar de la Familia both evacuated their offices due to smoke.

According to the health department, smoke from burning tires can include toxic chemicals from synthetic rubber compounds. Smoke may contain cyanide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and other dangerous chemicals. Children, the elderly and people with heart and lung  problems should take special care.

The fire started about 9 a.m. at  NW Metal’s auto-salvage yard. It was upgraded to a four-alarm fire about 9:45 a.m. So far, the cause is unknown. Capt. Louisa Jones, a Portland fire spokeswoman, said the fire was expected to burn for hours, and crews plan to stay throughout the evening.

Amber Speaks, the office manager of NW Metal, told KOIN 6 that they recycle vehicles in the scrap yard.