GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. (KOIN 6) — Firefighters worked into Tuesday to put out flames and hot spots from a three-alarm fire on Monday that destroyed a condominium complex at Golden Poles Chalet on Mt. Hood.
The fire sent smoke billowing from miles after it was reported around 3 p.m. Monday. Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office sent investigators to the scene, but a preliminary cause is not available.
Late Monday, the Hoodland Fire District estimated that more than 750,000 gallons of water had been used in the fire. An updated total was not immediately available Tuesday morning, but firefighters on scene estimated the number has likely doubled, if not tripled.
A boil water order had been issued for customers, but was lifted on Wednesday.
The three-story structure was built in 1967, firefighters said. The building did not have any sprinklers, but at the time it was constructed, fire codes did not require them, officials said.
The water being used to fight the fire is coming from the town’s private water supplier. Officials said the system did take a hit during the initial stages of the fire, but the system seems to be replenishing. Residents in Government Camp are being told to expect low water pressure and potentially brown water. A firefighter on scene said people may want to wait before washing clothes or using water for cooking.
Firefighters used water tenders to truck in water from a nearby fire suppression pond. They said more than 100,000 gallons of water was pulled from the pond.
Part of the building’s roof collapsed Monday evening. There have been no reported injuries, but firefighters cautioned, because of the heat and structural dangers, they have not been able to do a full search of the building. The Golden Poles Chalet has 30 condominiums, three that are occupied year round, firefighters said.
Tuesday, firefighters remained in a defensive approach while fighting the fire, meaning no one is allowed inside the building. They are spraying water from the outside.
Firefighters said Monday there were reports of 30 pounds of gunpowder inside someone’s room. Hoodland Fire District Deputy Chief John Ingrao said he does not believe that started the fire.
KOIN 6 News learned most of the condos are vacation homes, and only three were occupied when the fire erupted. But in one home, a woman with a broken femur was stuck on the deck. Luckily, Chris Scott and his friends came to her rescue.
“Basically, he handed her down to me, I was standing on the stool and he helped her get down the stool,” Scott explained.