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News in English (USA) / 12.08.2026 / 13:00

Centennial Mills Fire Leads to Emergency and Safety Concerns in Portland

A massive fire at the vacant Centennial Mills warehouse in Portland has resulted in significant safety concerns, prompting Mayor declarations of emergency and calls for stronger oversight on vacant buildings. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the blaze, fears of a potential collapse have escalated, leading to the suspension of Amtrak service between Seattle and Portland indefinitely. Union Pacific plans to resume freight trains near the unstable site, despite warnings from city officials about the risks involved. K-9 teams have detected a high likelihood of human remains in the rubble, and ongoing investigations continue as community activists demand action against alleged property neglect. The situation poses a complex public safety, rail, and recovery crisis as authorities work through plans for demolition and safety measures in the wake of the disaster.
The New York Times, KATU, KOIN.com, The Seattle Times, KGW, Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB, Willamette Week, KPTV, City of Portland, Oregon (.gov), OregonLive.com