Train trestles collapse in huge Oregon fire
- 9 years ago
TVF&R Flash Alert : http://www.tvfr.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=264
9:11 p.m.
8/12/15
It's been more than two days since the brush and railroad trestle fire started in Sherwood. Remaining debris is no longer burning, though it may continue to emit light smoke. There is no fire risk.
It's unclear when cleanup operations will begin by Portland and Western Railroad. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Sherwood residents with concerns about smoke or air quality can call Washington County's Environmental Health team at 503-846-8722.
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6:06 p.m.
8/11/15
Sherwood Police Department and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue are jointly investigating the fire that started yesterday afternoon and destroyed a train trestle and burned approximately eight acres of brush near Tualatin-Sherwood Road and Langer Parkway.
A TVF&R fire investigator and a Sherwood detective have examined material evidence at the fire scene and will continue to conduct witness interviews to try and determine how the fire started. It may take several days for the investigation to conclude.
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11:19 a.m.
8/11/15
At this hour, approximately 16 firefighters remain on scene at three different positions around the fire area to keep an eye out and extinguish any hot spots.
About 80 percent of the Portland & Western Railroad trestle has collapsed, and the remaining structure is smoldering. It is unlikely that the remaining structure will collapse on its own. It will likely need to be deconstructed at a later time when it is safe for work crews to perform the task.
People in the area will likely continue to see smoke for several days. Firefighters will remain on scene until they are confident there are no hot spots or potential risks of fire.
Residents in the area are encouraged to keep their windows and doors closed. They are also discouraged from exercising outdoors in the area due to poor air quality.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and a TVF&R fire investigator is evaluating material evidence on scene and conducting witness interviews. A recently acquired image taken before fire personnel arrived on scene shows the fire likely started in the grass below the trestle and quickly spread to the railroad structure.
Additional details about the cause of this fire will be released to the community as they become available.
One TVF&R firefighter was injured as a result of this fire. This firefighter was injured at about 6 a.m. while working on a berm near the rail line when debris shifted and trapped one of his legs. Other firefighters used chain saws to cut away debris and free his leg. He was able to walk out with assistance from his fellow firefighters. He was treated and transported to Legacy Meridian Park Hospital, where x-rays revealed that no bones were broken. The firefighter is now home resting comfortably with his wife.
There is a bulldozer and excavator on scene creating
9:11 p.m.
8/12/15
It's been more than two days since the brush and railroad trestle fire started in Sherwood. Remaining debris is no longer burning, though it may continue to emit light smoke. There is no fire risk.
It's unclear when cleanup operations will begin by Portland and Western Railroad. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Sherwood residents with concerns about smoke or air quality can call Washington County's Environmental Health team at 503-846-8722.
****************************
6:06 p.m.
8/11/15
Sherwood Police Department and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue are jointly investigating the fire that started yesterday afternoon and destroyed a train trestle and burned approximately eight acres of brush near Tualatin-Sherwood Road and Langer Parkway.
A TVF&R fire investigator and a Sherwood detective have examined material evidence at the fire scene and will continue to conduct witness interviews to try and determine how the fire started. It may take several days for the investigation to conclude.
****************************
11:19 a.m.
8/11/15
At this hour, approximately 16 firefighters remain on scene at three different positions around the fire area to keep an eye out and extinguish any hot spots.
About 80 percent of the Portland & Western Railroad trestle has collapsed, and the remaining structure is smoldering. It is unlikely that the remaining structure will collapse on its own. It will likely need to be deconstructed at a later time when it is safe for work crews to perform the task.
People in the area will likely continue to see smoke for several days. Firefighters will remain on scene until they are confident there are no hot spots or potential risks of fire.
Residents in the area are encouraged to keep their windows and doors closed. They are also discouraged from exercising outdoors in the area due to poor air quality.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and a TVF&R fire investigator is evaluating material evidence on scene and conducting witness interviews. A recently acquired image taken before fire personnel arrived on scene shows the fire likely started in the grass below the trestle and quickly spread to the railroad structure.
Additional details about the cause of this fire will be released to the community as they become available.
One TVF&R firefighter was injured as a result of this fire. This firefighter was injured at about 6 a.m. while working on a berm near the rail line when debris shifted and trapped one of his legs. Other firefighters used chain saws to cut away debris and free his leg. He was able to walk out with assistance from his fellow firefighters. He was treated and transported to Legacy Meridian Park Hospital, where x-rays revealed that no bones were broken. The firefighter is now home resting comfortably with his wife.
There is a bulldozer and excavator on scene creating