Two firefighters injured in The Dalles during railroad tie treatment plant explosion

THE DALLES, Ore. — Two firefighters were injured during an explosion at a railroad tie treatment plant in the Columbia River Gorge town of The Dalles on Thursday night, according to the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Firefighters were called at 8 p.m. to the AmeriTies West plant at 100 Tie Plant Road at 8 p.m. About thirty minutes later, an explosion occurred in a copper naphthenate diesel tank, injuring the firefighters.

The sheriff’s office said the tank had been taken out of service earlier in the day to be cleaned. It was not immediately known whether the tank contained chemicals.

The two injured firefighters were taken to the hospital and the sheriff’s office said they were in good condition.

The fire was contained after hours of effort, and law enforcement officials have not been notified of any air quality concerns.

Multiple agencies responded to the fire.

In a statement, the president of Ameri-Ties West said the company was grateful for the quick response from local fire and emergency crews.

A KATU photojournalist on the scene the next morning reported ongoing activity by firefighters, including what seemed to be crews burning off what was left in the tank.