Firefighters responded to a building where marijuana was being grown in the Estacada Industrial Park on Saturday.
ESTACADA, Ore. — Firefighters faced a huge challenge Saturday as they battled a blaze at a marijuana farm.
A caller reported smoke coming from the building. The Estacada Fire Protection District responded to the Estacada Industrial Park on Northwest Noble Drive just before 11 a.m.
Firefighters discovered smoke coming from the eaves and entrance of a large commercial building that was originally used to grow marijuana. Staff encountered extreme heat inside, with nothing visible on the floor and shelves of marijuana plants stacked wall to wall.
Several pressurized carbon dioxide containers, liquid and granular fertilizers, large storage tanks and other materials posed a hazard to rescuers, according to the Estacada Fire Protection District.
Another large commercial building behind the facility was evacuated as a precaution due to the hazard.
Portland General Electric has also been asked to ensure the safety of workers entering the building.
The living conditions of the crew are improved through roof ventilation. Firefighters crawled under a stand of marijuana plants to reach the source of the fire. Drones assist in aerial monitoring of firefighting and ventilation operations.
Hazmat teams from Clackamas Fire District No. 1 and the Gresham Fire Department responded to assess any potential issues related to water runoff or airborne hazards.
“While elevated carbon monoxide levels were detected, they were quickly reduced through ventilation and no threat to the public was found,” the fire district said. explain.
The cause remains under investigation. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion and was able to return to work. There were no reports of injuries.
