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Portland Warehouse Fire Leaves Damaged Building a Risk
12 Aug
Summary
- A 116-year-old Portland building remains a risk after a fire.
- Amtrak service is suspended, but freight trains continue to run.
- City officials are concerned about potential collapse and safety risks.
A fire on August 2nd ravaged the 116-year-old Centennial Mills building in Portland, Oregon, leaving its eight-story structure severely damaged and posing an ongoing collapse risk. City officials have established a safety zone and closed a nearby park, while Amtrak has suspended train service between Portland and Seattle. This suspension is due to concerns that the vibrations from passing trains could destabilize the building.
Despite these safety measures, freight trains operated by Union Pacific have resumed service, albeit at reduced speeds and on tracks farther from the structure. City administrators have strongly criticized this decision, citing it as a "significant risk to health and safety." The building contains asbestos, adding another layer of environmental concern for residents.
