EUGENE, Ore. — A second-alarm fire destroyed a vacant home and damaged several businesses along Highway 99 in west Eugene Sunday evening, prompting a large response from Eugene Springfield Fire crews.
Just before 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9, firefighters were dispatched to a report of a possible house fire near Highway 99 and Barger Drive. Responding crews could see a large column of smoke and arrived to find a fully involved structure on the east side of the railroad tracks behind Emerald Pool and Patio in the 1800 block of Highway 99.
Firefighters encountered heavy flames that had spread from the property into overgrown blackberry bushes and other dry vegetation between the railroad tracks and businesses along the highway.
Because of difficult access and the advancing fire, incident commanders requested a second alarm, bringing additional firefighters and equipment to the scene, including two additional engine companies and support personnel.
The fire completely destroyed the vacant home, which appeared to have been used for storage. Flames also damaged three businesses along Highway 99.
Emerald Pool and Patio sustained fire damage to the rear and roof of its building, as well as exterior displays and surrounding vegetation. A nearby storage building also suffered exterior damage. Firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading into the interiors of those buildings.
A neighboring car dealership sustained exterior fire damage to its office building, while a small engine repair business south of the fire suffered damage to grass, old lawnmowers and other items stored outside.
No injuries were reported.
Highway 99 was temporarily closed to allow firefighters to access an additional water supply while battling the blaze.
In all, eight engine companies, two truck companies, one ambulance, support staff and additional command personnel responded to the incident.
The fire was the third reported fire along railroad tracks in the Eugene area within a 12-hour period. An earlier fire was reported near Franklin Boulevard and Walnut Street at approximately 7:30 a.m., while another occurred in Lane Fire Authority’s jurisdiction along Highway 99 north of Beltline Highway.
The cause of Sunday’s fire remains under investigation by Eugene Springfield Fire deputy fire marshals.
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