EXPLOSION AND FIRE CLAIMS WORKER'S LIFE NEAR SILVERTON

 Silverton Fire District

The Silverton Fire District responded to the report of an explosion and fire at approximately 9:00 am this morning. The location is a commercial/agricultural building in the 13000 block of Riches Rd. NE near Silverton. Heavy dark smoke and fire could be seen coming from the middle of the structure from several miles away.

 

Initially, dispatchers advised responding units that 3 persons may be trapped on the second floor of the structure. While responding to the call, Assistant Chief Ed Grambusch requested an immediate upgrade to a 3rd alarm and requested additional fire apparatus from nearby communities.   

 

On arrival, heavy fire and smoke conditions engulfed the second story of the seed cleaning facility. Managers on site advised that one person was still on the second story. An aggressive fire attack was made; however, the missing person was located deceased inside. One worker was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No firefighters were injured.

 

The name of the deceased is being withheld until notification of next of kin can be made. The name will be released by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

 

It is suspected that a dust explosion occurred which spread fire through the second story of the structure.

 

The Silverton Fire District responded with 5 fire engines and 4 water tenders. Silverton Fire was assisted by Stayton Fire, Sublimity Fire, Mt. Angel Fire, Monitor Fire, Woodburn Fire, Molalla Fire, Woodburn Ambulance, Santiam Memorial Ambulance and Marion County Fire District #1.