Ontario building set to stop smoking days after fire

A large agricultural storage building was destroyed in a fire today in Ontario, Oregon, that threatened nearby businesses and fuel storage facilities.

Ontario Fire and Rescue (OFR) responded to the structure fire at 152 SE 9th Avenue, finding the approximately 25,000-square-foot building engulfed with flames visible through the roof in multiple locations.

According to OFR, the fire threatened Murakami Produce to the south and a Farmers Supply COOP bulk fuel storage facility to the east while also spreading through vegetation to the west.

"Rescue 1 established a water supply and started a defensive attack on the south end of the building to protect exposures," OFR stated. 

Firefighters used three nearby hydrants to flow master streams, successfully containing the blaze to the building of origin and protecting neighboring structures. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

The response included five engines, two ladder trucks, one water tender, two brush trucks, three command vehicles and one rehab/UAV apparatus, with 30 firefighters participating. Thermal imaging from the drone assisted with water placement and overhead monitoring.

OFR stated that the building, owned by Hector Navarret, is considered structurally unsound because of the fire and too dangerous to enter. The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting with the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire, which is expected to continue for several days.