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News Release

Lightning Strike Causes Commercial Warehouse Fire In Kenton Neighborhood (Photo) - 07/23/26

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) responded to a commercial warehouse fire in Portland's Kenton neighborhood after lightning struck the roof of the building, igniting a small fire.

 

When firefighters arrived, employees had already safely evacuated the warehouse. Crews quickly initiated an offensive fire attack, with interior engine companies stretching a hoseline into the building while truck companies positioned aerial ladders to the roof and prepared for elevated water operations if needed.

 

As Engine 26 attempted to establish a water supply from a nearby fire hydrant, firefighters discovered the hydrant was not functioning. The crew immediately declared "emergency traffic" over the radio to notify Command and all personnel that there could be a delay in securing a reliable water supply.

 

Out of an abundance of caution, the Incident Commander requested a second alarm to ensure additional resources were available. Within minutes, however, Engine 22 successfully established a secondary water supply from another hydrant. Because of the quick actions of the crews, there was no interruption in fire suppression efforts, and the second alarm was promptly canceled.

 

Interior firefighters advanced a charged hoseline into the warehouse and quickly extinguished a small fire that had burned through the roof decking. Simultaneously, truck companies prepared for rooftop operations by stretching hoselines to the roof. After further investigation, crews determined the remaining fire on the roof was minimal and were able to extinguish it using a portable water extinguisher, commonly referred to by firefighters as a "pump can."

 

A Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Investigator responded to determine the cause of the fire. After completing the investigation, the fire was determined to have been caused by a lightning strike.

 

Thanks to the rapid evacuation of employees, the quick coordination between engine and truck companies, and the establishment of an alternate water supply, the fire was confined to the area of origin. There was no extension of fire beyond the roof and ceiling area, and no injuries were reported.

 

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds the public that lightning can strike well ahead of or after the heaviest rain and can ignite fires in homes, businesses, and vegetation. If you suspect your building has been struck by lightning, evacuate if necessary, call 9-1-1, and allow firefighters to investigate any signs of smoke or fire.

 

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank our business partners at BOEC, and PPB for traffic control.

Attached Media Files: Truck operations to the roof, Origin of the lightning strike, Hole cut by truck company, Area of origin looking down into warehouse,

Lightning Strike Causes Commercial Warehouse Fire In Kenton Neighborhood (Photo) - 07/23/26

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) responded to a commercial warehouse fire in Portland's Kenton neighborhood after lightning struck the roof of the building, igniting a small fire.

 

When firefighters arrived, employees had already safely evacuated the warehouse. Crews quickly initiated an offensive fire attack, with interior engine companies stretching a hoseline into the building while truck companies positioned aerial ladders to the roof and prepared for elevated water operations if needed.

 

As Engine 26 attempted to establish a water supply from a nearby fire hydrant, firefighters discovered the hydrant was not functioning. The crew immediately declared "emergency traffic" over the radio to notify Command and all personnel that there could be a delay in securing a reliable water supply.

 

Out of an abundance of caution, the Incident Commander requested a second alarm to ensure additional resources were available. Within minutes, however, Engine 22 successfully established a secondary water supply from another hydrant. Because of the quick actions of the crews, there was no interruption in fire suppression efforts, and the second alarm was promptly canceled.

 

Interior firefighters advanced a charged hoseline into the warehouse and quickly extinguished a small fire that had burned through the roof decking. Simultaneously, truck companies prepared for rooftop operations by stretching hoselines to the roof. After further investigation, crews determined the remaining fire on the roof was minimal and were able to extinguish it using a portable water extinguisher, commonly referred to by firefighters as a "pump can."

 

A Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Investigator responded to determine the cause of the fire. After completing the investigation, the fire was determined to have been caused by a lightning strike.

 

Thanks to the rapid evacuation of employees, the quick coordination between engine and truck companies, and the establishment of an alternate water supply, the fire was confined to the area of origin. There was no extension of fire beyond the roof and ceiling area, and no injuries were reported.

 

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds the public that lightning can strike well ahead of or after the heaviest rain and can ignite fires in homes, businesses, and vegetation. If you suspect your building has been struck by lightning, evacuate if necessary, call 9-1-1, and allow firefighters to investigate any signs of smoke or fire.

 

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank our business partners at BOEC, and PPB for traffic control.

Attached Media Files: Truck operations to the roof, Origin of the lightning strike, Hole cut by truck company, Area of origin looking down into warehouse,