Massive Wildfire Rages in East Gresham, Battling Scorching Conditions and Rapid Spread

A significant wildfire ignited in East Gresham on Sunday afternoon, rapidly escalating into a massive blaze that sent plumes of smoke billowing across the region and prompted a large-scale emergency response. The inferno, which ignited around 2:30 p.m. near Southeast 202nd Avenue and Foster Road, close to the Rockwood Water People's Utility District property, quickly grew under the relentless assault of dry grass, scorching temperatures, and persistent winds.

Initially reported as a brush fire spanning "multiple acres," the scale of the incident soon became alarmingly clear.

Fire officials, utilizing mapping technology, later revised estimates to an imposing 35 to 40 acres, though at one point, it was feared to be as large as 50 acres. The sheer speed of its expansion highlighted the extreme fire danger present in the area, turning vast stretches of parched landscape into a volatile fuel source.

The Gresham Fire Department immediately mounted a formidable defense, swiftly joined by crews from Portland Fire & Rescue.

This collaborative effort saw a comprehensive deployment of resources, including numerous engines, specialized brush units, water tenders, and even heavy machinery like dozers to carve out containment lines. Hand crews worked tirelessly on the ground, battling the flames inch by arduous inch. Adding to the arsenal, helicopters were pressed into service, executing vital water drops from above to douse the most aggressive hotspots and protect vulnerable areas.

Despite the blaze's formidable size and rapid spread, authorities confirmed that, as of Sunday evening, no structures were immediately threatened – a testament to the early and aggressive actions of the firefighting teams.

However, the environmental impact was undeniable. The thick, acrid smoke created a stark visual reminder of the disaster, visible for miles across the Portland metropolitan area. This led to an air quality alert, urging residents to take precautions, especially those with respiratory sensitivities, and to minimize outdoor activities.

As darkness fell on Sunday, the battle was far from over.

Containment of the wildfire remained at 0%, underscoring the challenging conditions and the immense effort still required. Fire officials appealed to the public to steer clear of the affected zone to allow emergency personnel unobstructed access and to avoid any potential hazards. Furthermore, they reiterated critical warnings against any form of outdoor burning, emphasizing the heightened risk during such dry conditions.

The exact cause of this destructive fire remains under investigation, but its emergence serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threat of wildfires, even within urban-adjacent areas, particularly during prolonged periods of heat and drought.

The community now watches anxiously as dedicated firefighters continue their relentless struggle against the forces of nature, working to bring this significant blaze under control and safeguard the region.