Pendleton Flour Mills Fire
Statement from Pendleton Fire & Ambulance:
Oct. 5
Oregon State Fire Marshal completed the investigation of the Mill fire. They have classified this fire as “undetermined … accidental in nature”. If you would like a copy, please follow the Oregon State Police record request process.
Over the past 8 weeks the Pendleton Fire Department has been aware of the impact this fire has had on the community and we are sorry we have not been able to extinguish the smoldering. PFD has been in contact with EPA and DEQ and Grain Craft about the plans going forward. We are looking forward to assisting in any way we can.
August 29
Pendleton Fire & Ambulance continues to monitor and respond to ongoing burning at the Grain Craft Flour Mill
We’ve been asked, “Why is the flour mill still burning?” and there are a few answers.
This type of fire causes multiple hot spots that are in areas our crews cannot get to, particularly in the basement. When those fires flare up, often by wind, flames and smoke are visible. While we are trying to put out those deep-seated embers, they’re likely going to continue to be until that building comes down and we can safely access the basement.
With this type of fire, another option would be to flood the basement; however, the floor of the mill basement is dirt, which means any water used to flood it would go into the aquifer.
“We’re doing the best we can, but until we get a demolition plan and can get into there, this will continue to happen,” Chief Jim Critchley said.
Crews are watching the floor mill around the clock and responding to all flare ups.
Community members are still asked to avoid the area.
Statements from Police Chief Chuck Byram about fire at Pendleton Flour Mills:
August 11
As of 7:30 this morning, Pendleton Fire is still on the scene of the fire at Grain Craft. Overnight, Pendleton Fire was assisted by other fire departments from around the state to keep watch on the structure. This was done so that our firefighters could get some much-needed rest, as they are going to have more long days ahead of them before this incident is over. As previously stated, this is going to be a protracted operation due to the size of the building, the material inside, and the lack of safe access. Today, City of Pendleton personnel will be working with responsible parties from Grain Craft to develop a plan to get safe access to the building. SE Emigrant Avenue will remain closed between SE 6th Street and SE 3rd Street. Later today, one lane of SE Dorion Avenue will be opened for vehicular traffic. We ask that drivers be attentive in the area as there will be emergency personnel in the area working. We ask that on-lookers and pedestrians maintain a safe distance from the area to avoid potential injury and interference with fire operation. More updates will be released as they become available.
August 10
Yesterday, August 9th at 2:55 p.m., City County Dispatch received a report of black smoke coming from the Pendleton Flour Mills with no visible flames. The Pendleton Fire Department responded and extinguished the small fire however remained on scene conducting “fire watch”. The fire subsequently reignited at approximately 4:00 this morning at which time it was fully engulfed due to dry grain, as well as the wood structure within.
The Pendleton Fire Department is being assisted by eight other agencies and are confident there are no other structures involved. Although the building is a total loss, this will be an ongoing emergent situation due to the amount of grain that is slow burning. There have no been any reported injuries.
I would encourage people to stay out of the area for their own safety, as well as the safety of those working diligently to fight the fire. Dorion and Emigrant are essentially closed near the area of the fire, therefore use Court and Frazer for east-west traffic.
Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram
