Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard, Main Street, and Oregon Highway 99E are closed due to a fire that was reported at around 3:45 a.m. Thursday at the former Blue Heron paper factory in Oregon City.
From Oregon City to just north of Canby, 99E is closed in both directions, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Along with other local firefighters, Clackamas County Fire is on the scene.
They advised folks to use other routes and stay away from the southern portion of downtown Oregon City.
The old mill, which has been closed since 2011, is located on 23 acres along the Willamette River in Oregon City. In 2019, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde acquired the land for the establishment of their planned community, Tumwata. In 2020, the property also had a fire.
Grand Ronde Tribe communications director Sara Thompson told the Oregonian/OregonLive, “We are disappointed by the fire that started earlier this morning at our property in Tumwata Village, the former Blue Heron Paper Mill.” Our first concern is everyone’s safety and wellbeing while we are on the scene and collaborating with local authorities to evaluate the situation. We urge that everyone give authorities the time and space they need to safely carry out their duties, as our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Oregon City and the surrounding area who have been affected by this morning’s tragedy.
OregonLive/The Oregonian
Early on Thursday, January 30, 2025, firefighters battle the fire at the location of the former Blue Heron lumber plant.The image is from Clackamas Fire.
