On Wednesday, May 31, morning, a commercial building in Southwest Portland was destroyed by “heavy fire” that spread throughout the entire structure.
A two-story office building south of Taylors’ Ferry Road on Southwest Barbur Boulevard was reported to have flames shooting through the roof at around 3:30 a.m., according to a tweet from Portland Fire & Rescue.
PFR crews on scene of a 2 story office building with fire showing through the roof on SW Barber.
Defensive fire tactics in place. Concerns if an exposure building have been relayed in radio traffic.
Building softened by forcing entry with smoke to the floor on interior.
— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) May 31, 2023
Authorities reported that the distance to the nearest fire hydrant and the presence of overhead powerlines were hindering the progress of the responding crews. Crews said they had to run hoses from a hydrant to the truck and back out again to provide enough pressure to put the fire in the structure.
Officials said that most of the fire had been out by 4:00 a.m., but personnel were still working to remove the remaining flames.
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Fire officials reported that most of the roof had been burned away but that the situation had been transferred to a fire watch with only one crew remaining to guarantee the fire was extinguished. Investigators have arrived on the scene. However, the origin of the fire is presently unknown.
