Fire Destroys 50 Units at The Dalles, OR, Self-Storage Facility

A wind-aided fire destroyed 50 units at a self-storage facility in The Dalles, Oregon, last Friday. Though the cause remains under investigation, the blaze at Oregon Trail Mini Storage appears to have started on the former rodeo grounds just west of the property at 105 Webber St., according to a source.

The fire began around 4:30 p.m. and spread quickly to additional structures due to high winds, 90-plus degree temperatures, and extremely dry grass and trees. Numerous neighboring fire departments mobilized resources that included 115 firefighters, plus a helicopter with a bucket that dropped water on the burning self-storage facility. Crews remained on the scene until Saturday morning.

While an estimate of the total damage isn’t available, it’s expected to reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to Adam Cole, division chief for Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue.

The fire also spread within the block, burning three vehicles at a nearby UPS location. Flames were discovered near the AmeriGas Propane property on Bargeway Road near the rodeo ground’s grain terminal.

Founded in 2018, Oregon Trail Mini Storage is co-owned by Richard Hynd and Lorne Richman. It offers 194 units and vehicle storage.

Source: Columbia Community Connection, Some 50 Units Lost at Mini Storage Fire; Mutual Aid Brings 115 Firefighters in West TD Blaze