A pile of scrap cars caught on fire Monday morning in Northeast Portland, sending a massive blame plume of smoke into the sky and eventually spreading to and destroying a nearby apartment building and duplex.
The Portland Fire & Rescue Bureau said piles of scrap cars are burning, in addition to tires and other items. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified.
No injuries have been reported and nothing indicates anyone has been trapped because of the fire, said Capt. Louisa Jones, a Portland Fire & Rescue Bureau spokeswoman. Several pets died in the residences, however, she said.
Jones said the fire, in the area of Northeast 75th Avenue and Killingsworth Street, is expected to continue burning for hours, and fire personnel plan to remain at the scene overnight.