Firefighters Safely Control Hazardous Materials Fire in Clackamas

2 alarm fire destroys business in Clackamas.

Photo of industrial fire overnight, courtesy: Clackamas Fire

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - Fire officials say a passerby noticed a large plume of smoke while driving east on SE Jennifer Street in Clackamas at midnight. They followed the smoke to the business and called 911. Witnesses state that a large amount of smoke was coming from the eaves of the building.

Clackamas Fire District #1 responded to the commercial fire at 12:00 AM Sunday at 16569 SE 115th in Clackamas.

Steve McAdoo with Clackamas Fire says the first engine company on scene found the north end of the building fully involved with fire coming from the windows and doors. A second alarm was called which brought mutual aid from Portland Fire and Boring Fire.

"There were a total of 8 engine companies and 2 truck companies on scene working. The business involved is a chrome plating company."

He says that due to the hazardous materials inside, crews were unable to use water to put out the fire.

"Because some water was used to protect the neighboring businesses, Clackamas County Environmental Services was contacted and they will be monitoring any run-off to assure any hazardous chemicals are captured and disposed of properly," McAdoo said.

"Crews were able to gain access by cutting through metal roll-up doors and stop the fire from getting into the neighboring business. There were several small explosions that rocked the fire scene possibly due to propane tanks on the forklifts inside the business."

He says fire crews will be on scene for several hours monitoring the fire as they have to let it burn itself out due to the fact that no water can be used. Clackamas Fire Investigators are on scene and will be working with the business owner to help determine the cause of the fire.

There were no injuries on this fire due to the proper signage outside the building which tells firefighters of the hazards inside this business.

"A defensive mode of firefighting was the tactic used to fight this fire. That decision kept firefighters outside the building and kept crews safe," he added.