US: Authorities responding to structure fire in central Portland, Oregon, evening Jan. 3

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a fire at the Portland Korean Church building at Southwest 11th and Clay in central Portland, Oregon, as of evening Jan. 3. The fire started sometime after 17:00; the building partially collapsed at 18:00. A heavy security presence has been deployed to the area to fight the three-alarm blaze. Local authorities are warning the public to avoid the area. The cause of the fire is unclear, and no casualties have been reported.

Emergency personnel will likely remain in the area until they extinguish the blaze and complete an investigation into the incident. Road closures and traffic diversions are likely, as are disruptions to local streetcar services. Lingering, localized transport disruptions are likely to continue into early Jan. 4.

Advice

Avoid the area until the situation stabilizes and authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the affected site, and allow additional time to reach destinations near the impacted area. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water. Heed all official instructions including evacuation orders.