One Dead, Several Injured After Explosion at Retirement Home

Six units were destroyed in the fire.

By Mackenna Moralez


One person has died after an accidental human-caused fire started at Columbia Hills Retirement Center in St. Helens, Oregon, on Oct. 5. According to Fox 12 Oregon, the fire was caused by oxygen cylinders.  

Six of the center’s 31 units were involved, causing surrounding Portland fire departments to respond just after 12:30 a.m. on Oct 5. Shortly after first responders arrived, an explosion caused by the oxygen tanks threw fire and debris across the complex, Fox 12 Oregon reports. Six units were destroyed by the fire, while other units suffered heavy smoke damage. 

All of the center’s residents were evacuated, and six people had to be rescued by firefighters. One person died at the scene, and several occupants were taken to the hospital. A firefighter and police officer suffered minor injuries, OPB reports

The center had working smoke detectors, though the facility did not have a sprinkler system because it was not a requirement when it was built, according to KOIN.  

Healthcare Facilities Today has previously covered strategies to safely store oxygen tanks. To learn more, please click here

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facility market. 



October 11, 2022


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

How Backup Power Needs Vary Across Healthcare Settings

Manufacturers discuss how evolving codes, technologies and care settings shape healthcare backup power strategies.


Flexible Design Strategies Help OhioHealth Maximize Clinical Space

Doing more with less was key to the renovated facility’s design.


New Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases Opens

The new space not only offers more exam rooms but also features 15 private infusion bays to allow privacy for all patients and their caregivers during treatment.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Daytona Beach Opens

Hospital amenities include all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite and more.


What Healthcare Facilities Can Learn from a $49 Million Window Failure

A major window system failure at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital sparked a costly replacement project – and a $49.4 million arbitration win.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.