Multnomah County is assessing its bridge maintenance and operations center after the County Bridge Shop sustained smoke, fire and water damage Tuesday from a mechanical fire.
Portland Fire Bureau reported it received a “triple notification” of the fire at 1403 SE Water Avenue at 6:04 p.m. after firefighters in the nearby Fire Station 21 heard an explosion, a bridge operator called 911 and a passerby pounded on the station door pointing to the smoke just blocks away.
Most of the fire was extinguished in 20 minutes, and the hot spots doused within another 20 minutes after 60 firefighters arrived on scene in multiple engines and trucks. There were no injuries.
The fire is still under investigation, but is believed to have started when equipment on a water tanker parked in a garage bay malfunctioned and became engulfed. Heavy black smoke and water damaged much of the building and the electrical system. The Bridge Shop is the maintenance and operations center for the County’s six Willamette River bridges and 22 smaller bridges. County engineers who design, build and maintain the County’s bridges also work at the Bridge Shop.
“We’re grateful for Portland Fire’s quick response and that no one was injured,’’ said Margi Bradway, Director of Community Services, who oversees the Bridge Shop. “We’ll be assessing damage and working to ensure bridge operations are fully restored.”