Portland firefighters respond to massive pallet fire that downed power lines and threatened buildings in Northeast Portland

Portland firefighters respond to a pallet fire in Northeast Portland. Thursday, July 4, 2024 (Courtesy of Portland Fire and Rescue).

PORTLAND, Oregon (KOIN) — Firefighters are responding to a massive pallet fire that has downed several power lines and is threatening a number of buildings near the Whitaker Ponds Nature Area in Northeast Portland.

According to a Portland Fire and Rescue Department posted on X at 7:35 p.m.Firefighters responded to “a large stack of pallets” on fire, with flames spreading to a tree and a house Thursday afternoon.

Within 30 minutes, the fire grew to a second-alarm fire, then a third-alarm fire, authorities said.

“Many buildings are threatened by severe fires. Several live power lines have fallen,” another message read.

As of 8:21 p.m., PF&R said the Portland Harbor Fire Department was on scene to assist if needed after the fire spread to “one of the metal-clad buildings,” with a structure collapsing. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters also reportedly had to work with a “limited water supply.” The Portland Water Bureau also assisted in the effort. Due to downed power lines, limited water and the need to protect “valuable equipment,” firefighters had to manage “competing priorities,” officials said.

This is a developing story. KOIN 6 News will update this article if more information becomes available.