Individual trapped in burning building dies in Umatilla

By on Monday, May 13th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UPDATE – Authorities identified the victim of the fire as David Miller, 60, of Umatilla.

Original story:

UMATILLA – An individual trapped inside a burning building died Friday night, Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District Chief Chris Grant said.

Emergency services were dispatched at 8:22 p.m. to a reported fire at 410 Sixth Street, next to the Umatilla Police Department. When firefighters arrived, they encountered a rapidly escalating fire situation, with the structure heavily engulfed in flames.

Attempts to rescue an individual trapped within the building were impeded by the fire’s intensity. The fire resulted in loss of life. The identity of the deceased is currently being withheld.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has taken over the scene and initiated an investigation into the fire’s origin and cause. Given the fatality associated with the event, the Umatilla Police Department is also involved in the investigation.

The Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District and Umatilla Police Department was supported by the Boardman Fire Rescue District, Echo Fire Department, Irrigon Fire Department, and Umatilla County Fire District No. 1.

Photo via Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District