FIREFIGHTER CRITICALLY INJURED IN EARLY MORNING EXPLOSION

Marion Co. Sheriff's Office

At 4:08 a.m. this morning, February 3, 2022, a 911 caller reported seeing a building on fire on Champoeg Creek Lane NE, near McKay Road NE. Fire crews from the St. Paul Fire District arrived on scene to find a large barn on fire. 

Firefighters reported an explosion happened during the fire, critically injuring a St. Paul firefighter. Lifeflight was activated and took the injured firefighter to an area hospital.

Crews from Aurora Fire District, Mt. Angel Fire District, Woodburn Fire District, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, Canby Fire District, Dayton Fire Department and Hubbard Fire District responded to assist St. Paul Fire District with the incident.

Investigators from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal have been called to the scene to investigate the incident. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

A media briefing will be held at the south end of the St. Paul Rodeo facility at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.