Portland firefighters responded to the blaze and said old equipment and tires were burning on Ross Island.
PORTLAND, Ore. — A fire broke out Saturday afternoon on Ross Island along the Willamette River, sending a plume of black smoke visible as far as downtown Portland.
Portland Fire Department responded to the three-alarm blaze and sent about 40 firefighters to the scene. Some crews went aboard Rescue Boat 21 to Ross Island to fight the flames on land. Others remained aboard Fireboat 21, battling the blaze from the Willamette River.
Katia Minor, a spokeswoman for the Portland Fire Department, said crews found old “abandoned” equipment and burning tractor tires, but no structures were involved. Those materials created thick black smoke, she said.
As of 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Minor said the fire was not actively burning, “just smoldering in some areas.”
Portland firefighters plan to remain on Ross Island until nightfall and return in the morning.
There are no details on how the fire started at this time.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details become available.
