Portland's skyline was obscured on Saturday by a dense cloud of black smoke as a significant wildfire took hold of Ross Island in the Willamette River. Portland Fire & Rescue teams were deployed to combat the flames which were first reported just before 4:45 p.m., according to KATU. Multiple sources say the fire's smoke plume was visible for miles across Portland's metropolitan landscape.
The tricky logistics of reaching the fire, which involved elements of old equipment and tractor tires ablaze, required crews to quickly adapt and use fireboats to get close to the flames. The response was hindered by the island's limited access; Ross Island, historically known for its gravel mining operations, is closed to the public and cannot be accessed by land, a fact highlighted in a report by KPTV.
As firefighters worked diligently to contain the wildfire, visual documentation of their efforts was shared online. Dramatic images captured by Portland Fire & Rescue showcased their members fully engaged in what has been dubbed the Marine Based Land Fire incident on Ross Island. These photographs, which further illustrate the scale and intensity of the situation, were shared by the department on their official social media channels and can be viewed on X.
Here are some images captured of the members of PF&R addressing the Marine Based Land Fire on Ross Island. pic.twitter.com/vZboxPB8CK
— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) July 21, 2024
