Centennial Mills update at the end of week four

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Here is where things stand (or not) at the end of the fourth week following the four-alarm fire at Centennial Mills on Aug. 2.

What is the latest on The Fields Park?

The Fields Park remains closed until further notice. This is due to ongoing safety concerns stemming from the fire-damaged Centennial Mills building adjacent to the park. The closure applies to all areas of the park, including the off-leash dog area, playground, lawn, and walking paths.

The good news is that cleaning of the park is underway. However, there is currently no confirmed reopening date for The Fields Park. The park will remain closed until required cleaning, environmental, and safety protocols are completed and the area has been cleared for safe public access.

What about other clean-up activities?

Last weekend, clean-up activities within the Pearl District were undertaken by Lions Contracting, a DEQ-licensed asbestos abatement contractor hired by Synergy Environmental, which was hired by the owner of the Centennial Mills property to manage clean-up activities in the neighborhood. Crews picked up pieces of charred debris believed to have resulted from the fire.

Air monitoring conducted in the first few days after the fire indicated a low health risk to the surrounding community based on contaminant levels measured outside the immediate fire area.

How much more of the burned building has come down?

Deconstruction and remediation activities continue where the former flour mill once stood. The north and west walls are now down almost to ground level. The east and south walls currently stand about two stories in height. Debris removal continues. Erosion control measures are in place.

What about the fire investigation?

The site remains under an active fire investigation. On Aug. 25, Portland Fire & Rescue again deployed a K9 unit provided by CHAIS, Inc. (Charon Human Advocacy Intervention Services) to assist in the investigation. These K9 units will be used on the site as needed until the fire investigation concludes. No human remains have been found at the site. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

What can I do to keep me and my family safe?

First and foremost, stay away from the site of the former Centennial Mills flour mill. Deconstruction work continues on the site, and it remains under an active fire investigation.

Where can I find more information?

The City of Portland is updating its web page, at Portland.gov/Centennial-Mills, as new information related to the Aug. 2 fire becomes available. You can also follow the City's social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X.