Firefighters contain blaze at former Blue Heron paper mill

 

By Nicole Montesano

Smoke Signals staff writer

Clackamas Fire District firefighters spent hours during the morning of Thursday, Jan. 30, battling a large blaze at the former Blue Heron paper mill in Oregon City that has closed the highway in both directions, from Tumwater Drive to South End Road. All lanes are closed.

At 7:56 a.m., the 3-alarm fire was declared contained and under control but was expected to continue smoldering for several more hours. The City of West Linn said on its Facebook page that a hazmat team has been called in to assess air quality and see whether any precautions are required.

By midday, flames were no longer visible, but smoke was still rising and firefighters continued to direct water at the smoldering remains. Onlookers gathered on the Oregon City Promenade, which overlooks the former mill, taking pictures while television crews remained onsite, reporting.

The Oregon Department of Transportation noted that, “This is expected to be a lengthy closure and a detour is in place. Expect extended delays and avoid the area or use an alternate route. Watch out for emergency responders.”

The Oregonian noted that the fire has also closed Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard and Main Street.

Grand Ronde Tribal Communications Director Sara Thompson issued a statement saying, “We are disheartened by the fire at our property –tumwata village, the former Blue Heron paper mill, that began earlier this morning. While we are onsite and working with local authorities to assess the situation, our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Our hearts are with Oregon City and local residents that have been impacted by this morning’s events and we ask that everyone give authorities the time and space to safely do their job. We will update you as we know more.” 

Tribal Engineering & Community Development Department Manager Ryan Webb said he was notified almost immediately after the fire began.

“I received a call at 4 this morning from our security staff onsite, letting me know about the fire,” Webb said in an email. “When I arrived on site, Clackamas Fire District had already done a tremendous job setting up and trying to contain the fire. They are still actively working on suppressing the fire and have told me they will likely be doing that for the remainder of the day, and maybe into the next few days. After that, the Tribe will help support the fire district in any way we can to complete their investigation into the fire and the causes.”

There is no word yet on how the fire was started. It was reported around 3:45 a.m., according to the Oregonian.

“Until the fire is extinguished and the fire district investigation is complete, I am unsure of the impact this will have on demolition activities (at the tumwata site),” Webb said. “I do know the Tribe is committed to healing and restoring the land in the right way and will continue forward with our progress even with this challenge.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.