2-alarm Island Fire, Portland 7-15-2015

[Guest]

Returning from an aircraft alert at the small Troutdale Airport, Chief Babcock, Battalion 3, noted a column of smoke coming from Government Island, a 12 mile long, uninhabited island in the Columbia river. About 1330 he ordered a Wildland response, then a 2nd alarm because of the logistical problem causing a long delay in getting any water on the fire. The fire seemed to be about 1/2 mile long involving mainly long grass and extending into trees. The fire was at about 100th Ave. and men and equipment had to be loaded onto fireboats at the 42nd Ave. boat ramp.

Portland Rescue Boat 17 was the main transporting boat, assisted by Rescue Boat 80 from PDX, Portland Int'l Airport, Gresham boat 75, a Multnomah county Sheriff's boat and a boat from Vancouver, Washington.

 


Rescue Boat 17 approaching the fire with 4 engine company crews and 2 men from Rescue 7.



Fire crews starting to work at the west end of the fire, about 45 mins. after the initial dispatch.



Rescue Craft putting men ashore at the east end of the fire.



Rehab 10 meets up with Rescue Boat 17 at the 42nd Ave Boat Ramp.



Transferring supplies to be ferried out to the island.

[hank]

Good photos, Dick!

 

tHANKs

[CCFR-45]

Nice shots. Looks like a handful just from the logistical problem of getting fire fighters to the scene. 

 

Thanks for sharing. 

[BCFDphotoman]

That's something different!!

[nozzleman]

Great pictures Dick thank you for sharing.

[Guest]

Great pictures Dick thank you for sharing.

 

Thanks. This was supposed to be the first photo. It is the Vancouver, WA fireboat full of Portland men.

 

[1958 F.W.D.]

Dumb question....But if the island is uninhabited, why worry about it? 

[Guest]

Dumb question....But if the island is uninhabited, why worry about it? 

 

One reason is that Interstate 205 runs over the center of the island on a long bridge connecting Oregon and Washington. If we let it burn and it got up into the trees it could blow right across the traffic lanes.

[Guest]

Wow, logistical nightmare.  Thanks for sharing. 

[EngineForLife]

I like reading about unusual incidents. I thought this one was pretty neat. Thanks for posting!