Some 50 units lost at mini storage fire; mutual aid brings 115 firefighters in west TD blaze
MCFR Photo
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 5, 2024 — Sustained winds pushed a fast-moving fire on River and Weber roads in The Dalles, destroying some 50 storage units and three vehicles.
The fire, which appears to have started on the former rodeo grounds just west of Oregon Trail Mini Storage remains under investigation as the Oregon State Police and State Fire Marshal were called in to investigate the scene.
Mid Columbia Fire & Rescue Division Chief Adam Cole said there was no estimate on the total cost of damage on Monday, Aug. 5
Looking toward Oregon Trail Mini Storage near Riverside Gymnastics on River and Weber roads. MCFR Photo
But it’s well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars with so much damage to the storage facility, alone.
The fire started around 4:30 p.m. on Friday and quickly escalated with 90-plus degree temperatures, tinder dry grasses and trees that quickly burned as wind fanned the flames.
Resources were quickly mobilized to the incident from ODF, USFS, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Wasco, Hood River, Klickitat, Sherman and Skamania Counties.
A helicopter with a bucket could be seen dropping water on the burning mini-storage building.
“We exhausted our mutual aid agreement,” said Division Chief Joshua Beckner, noting 115 firefighters responded to the blaze.
Winds also quickly spread the fire as embers lit off in multiple locations within the block. Three vehicles burned at UPS; NORCOR jail was threatened. Fires spotted as far away as Amerigas Propane on Bargeway Road near the grain terminal.
But the epic response from firefighters kept it from becoming a disaster.
The devestation left behind by the River Road fire at Oregon Trail Mini Storage.
It’s not that long ago - 2020 that entire towns such as Talent in Southern Oregon burned to the ground in under severe fire conditions.
“Our community owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the fire and emergency responders who worked tirelessly to protect us,” said Nichole Biechler, NORCOR Business Manager. “Their dedication, skill, and bravery were evident throughout this crisis, and we are incredibly thankful for their unwavering commitment.”
The coordinated efforts of the multiple fire departments, wildland firefighters, City of The Dalles Public Works, The Dalles School District Transportation Office, and support staff were crucial in managing the situation and providing protection of life and property, Biechler said. Their resilience and professionalism during such a challenging time are a testament to their dedication to the safety of the community, employees, and individuals served within NORCOR.
“These partnerships in conjunction with Public Works, PUD, local business owners and many other entities helped to protect numerous buildings and facilities,” said Mid-Columbia in a Facebook press release. “Additional resources were needed overnight and a request was made for a Strike Team of Engines from Clackamas County. Clackamas Fire District #1 responded and assisted the crews on-scene until about 6am.
Division Chief Cole said firefighters remained on the scene until 9 a.m . on Saturday, Aug. 4.
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