A massive fire broke out at Avenue G of White City in Oregon on August 1. Jackson County Fire District 3 issued a statement saying “Fire District 3 crews are on scene of a 2nd Alarm, commercial structure fire in the 2600 block of Avenue G in White City. Avenue G is closed between Agate Road and Highway 62 to provide firefighters access to hydrants. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes.”
In an update they shared “The incident has been upgraded to a 3rd Alarm, bringing additional firefighting resources to the scene. Please continue to avoid the area and use alternate routes while crews remain on scene.”
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A photo they shared showed black smoke rising to the sky.
Reports claimed the fire was at the Schnitzer Steel plant, which is located at 2625 Ave G, White City. It now operates as Radius Recycling. However, this has not been confirmed by authorities. Further, Radius Recycling stated that the fire originated at a neighboring property while authorities used their property to stage firefighting activities.
White City fire: Scary videos and photos from Oregon
“Multiple agencies are responding to a large scale fire…on Avenue G in White City. Roads are impacted around the area. Avoid if possible,” a local report said. It added “Loud explosions are being heard as the White City steel fire continues to grow. A 3rd alarm has been called in activating additional south metro fire units.”
The video they shared showed thick, black smoke from a distance. Many locals also shared visuals of the fire.
{{/usCountry}}The video they shared showed thick, black smoke from a distance. Many locals also shared visuals of the fire.
{{/usCountry}}“I can see it from my house in cp,” one wrote. Another added “View from the VA.”
Yet another video was shared with the person saying “Video taken near Corey Road.”
Yet another person shared a photo where a thick column of black smoke was visible.
White City fire: Reactions pour in
Several people reacted to the news of the fire in White City. “Sounds like they need to restructure there maintenance program,” said one. Another added “Any information on what is burning? Lots of explosions and has a very strong chemical smell.”
Yet another said “First Bio Mas, now Schnitzer recycling? What about fire in G.P. & Eagle Point. What's really happening.”
One person described the scary scenes as the fire broke out. “LOTS of explosions. Scariest thing I've ever heard. Grabbed my kids and animals and left. Live too close for comfort,” they wrote. Another added that dark smoke could be seen while one said that the smoke seemed too dark to be a vegetation fire.