Just in time for the evening rush hour Tuesday, a fire was reported at the old, Albina Fuel building at 3246 NE Broadway. When firefighters arrived they reported heavy smoke and fire coming from several windows of the building.

The building is situated between Broadway and Interstate 84 and with the wind blowing smoke down on the freeway it caused very hazardous driving because visibility was very limited. Broadway St. and 33rd Ave. were shut down for several hours.

The building was reported to be abandoned but firefighters received many reports from people at the scene that transients had been occupying the structure. Firefighters initially made an attempt to get inside and search for victims, but the fire conditions inside were very bad with high heat and thick black smoke. With the roof of the building showing signs that it was about to start falling in, the decision was made to pull all firefighters out and use an exterior attack to gain control of the fire.

At about 5:45 pm firefighters began getting the upper hand and the smoke production began to decrease. By 6:11 pm the recall was made and we began sending Fire Companies back to their Stations.

No one is being allowed in the building tonight, the structure is too unstable. Fire Investigators will return at about 7:00 am to assess the structure and begin their investigation of the cause.