Brush fire in St. Helens causes evacuations, road closures
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A brush fire that started in St. Helens early Thursday afternoon caused multiple evacuations.
Fire crews responded to the scene at Railroad Avenue near First Street just before 1:30 p.m. Residents on First Street were told to evacuate.
Railroad Avenue is completely blocked starting at the Old Portland Road intersection, officials said.
Evacuees were told to avoid the area and gather in the Walmart parking lot.
"I rushed home and they said you're being evacuated. It was really smokey and all I could think about was my cats and kittens," said Beverly Lundy.
She had to pack up her animals and grandchildren, then watch the smoke from the Walmart parking lot evacuation point, waiting to see if her home would make it.
Columbia River Fire and Rescue and Oregon Department of Forestry crews jumped into action. However, the fire quickly grew from a quarter of an acre to about five acres within about 90 minutes.
Firefighters used bulldozers to build a ring around the flames, working to stop its spread to nearby homes. They hope a change of weather will aid their efforts.
"Hopefully the weather's coming in, we're going to get some rain," said Columbia River Fire and Rescue Chief Eric Smythe. "But if you're having a backyard barbecue or firepit, just have a hose and shovel nearby — and keep an eye on it."
The fire is now fully contained, Columbia County officials said, with most neighbors allowed to return to their homes.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A burn ban is in effect in Columbia County beginning on Monday, which includes restrictions on all outdoor burning, such as backyard pit fires.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.