Portland Mayor Considers Emergency Declaration Over Centennial Mills Collapse Threat
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson is prepared to declare a state of emergency if Union Pacific resumes freight train operations near the Centennial Mills warehouse, which recently caught fire and is now at risk of imminent collapse. The fire investigation, which may involve human remains, cannot be completed until the building is demolished. The warehouse, located in the Pearl District, poses a significant risk to the surrounding area, which is densely populated. The building's owner has been given five days to submit a demolition plan, with the possibility of demolition occurring as soon as Friday. Union Pacific plans to resume freight operations, citing national supply chain impacts, but city officials warn that vibrations from trains could trigger a collapse. Portland Fire and Rescue Chief Lauren Johnson highlighted the strain a collapse would place on emergency resources. City officials are urging the public to avoid the area for safety reasons. 
