A ferocious grease fire erupted at Shin Shin Foods, a noodle factory in North Portland, on Monday. As reported by Oregon Live, the blaze sent smoke towers above the nearby Interstate 5, complicating the evening traffic flow. Workers at the factory reported the incident, which escalated swiftly, with Portland Fire & Rescue battling the second-alarm fire as late as 6 p.m., said Fire Bureau spokesperson Rick Graves.
To mitigate the unfolding danger, Pacific Power and Northwest Natural, while closing utilities to the area, introduced new risks—after shutting off the power, a live powerline burned through and fell, recounted KOIN. The increased water pressure from the Portland Water Bureau empowered the fire crews to attack the flames from an elevated position and ground level. Surrounding workers were edged out by the fire's ferocity into a reluctant escape.
The inferno, concentrated at 400 N. Thompson St., necessitated extensive firefighting tactics, with units pouring water from aerial ladders and ground hoses. Due to a dearth of hydrants, teams pumped water from extended distances. According to a statement obtained by KGW, one ladder alone was expelling nearly 2000 gallons per minute into the burning edifice. While the risk of the fire spreading was deemed low, the possibility of structural collapse of the old Shin Shin Foods warehouse loomed, prompting firefighters to proceed with caution.
All 65 of the noodle factory's employees managed to evacuate without injury, amid the chaotic scene with firefighters commanded to stand clear of potential collapse zones. PF&R's fire investigations unit, in collaboration with the Shin Shin Foods warehouse owner's representative, prepares to delve into the fire's cause.
