A major fire broke out at the abandoned Centennial Mills warehouse on Naito Parkway in downtown Portland, Oregon, on Sunday afternoon, sending large plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting an extensive emergency response from local firefighters.

The blaze spread rapidly through the vacant warehouse structure, which has remained a prominent feature of Portland’s downtown landscape for decades. The fire at the historic industrial site drew significant attention as flames and smoke could be seen from several parts of the city, creating concern among residents, commuters, and nearby businesses.

The Portland Fire Department immediately responded to the incident, deploying multiple crews and firefighting equipment to control the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding areas. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze while assessing the condition of the aging structure, which presented additional challenges due to its abandoned state and potentially unstable sections.

The Centennial Mills property, located along Naito Parkway near the Willamette River, has long been recognized as one of Portland’s notable historic industrial sites. The warehouse complex has undergone periods of redevelopment discussion over the years but remained largely unused before the fire.

Officials focused on managing the immediate danger posed by the burning structure, including monitoring smoke conditions and ensuring the safety of people in nearby areas. Authorities urged the public to avoid the vicinity while emergency crews continued operations.

Videos and images from the scene showed heavy smoke rising above downtown Portland, with the fire creating a visible impact across the city skyline. The incident highlighted ongoing concerns surrounding vacant buildings, which can pose increased risks due to deteriorating infrastructure, limited maintenance, and possible hazardous materials inside.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known, and authorities were expected to conduct an investigation after firefighters brought the situation under control. Investigators will examine the origin of the blaze and determine whether any factors contributed to the rapid spread of flames.

The Portland Fire Department continued its efforts to fully extinguish remaining hot spots and ensure the area was safe. Further updates were expected as officials reviewed the damage caused to the long-standing warehouse structure.

The fire at Centennial Mills represents another major emergency incident involving an unused urban property, raising renewed attention on the challenges cities face in maintaining and securing abandoned buildings.