Posted: August 13th, 2010 3:52 PM

Update:

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of dark smoke coming from a vent on the roof of Esco Corporation, located at 2141 NW 25th Avenue, at 2:48 pm this afternoon. Upon arrival crews found that an unknown quantity of molten metal had spilled onto the ground and caught fire.

Crews had difficulty extinguishing the fire due to the extreme temperature of the molten metal. Firefighters were also concerned that if water were applied to the fire, a steam explosion could result. High voltage from a furnace in the area of the fire also made conditions potentially hazardous for firefighters.

Firefighters sprayed light mist onto the edge of the fire and let it slowly extinguish itself. The fire was brought under control at 3:14 pm. It may take up to another hour for the metal to cool and for crews to be able to assess the damage. There were no hazardous materials involved in this fire and all occupants escaped the building safely.

Quick Facts:

4 engines

2 trucks

2 Chiefs

1 PIO

Fire dispatched: 2:48 pm

Fire crews arrived: 2:51 pm

Fire controlled: 3:14 pm

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Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to reports of a fire at a large commercial structure located at 2141 NW 25th Avenue. A Public Information Officer is en route. Media staging will be on NW Wilson St.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.