Damage estimate is $500K for Space Age fire

HERMISTON – The fire Sunday at Space Age Fuel Travel Center in Hermiston resulted in an estimated $500,000 according to Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 Fire Marshal Scott Goff. He said the fire began during the refueling on a semi-truck at the diesel fuel island according to an examination of the scene and review of security video Monday.

“The driver was filling both saddle tanks at the time of the fire,” Goff reported. “After placing the fuel nozzle in the right-side saddle tank, the driver then ducked under the hose. It appears that the nozzle pulled out of the saddle tank fill and began spilling fuel on the exhaust system leading to ignition of the fire.”

Goff said they could not determine if the truck was in a regeneration cycle for the diesel exhaust system or if it was just hot exhaust from the vehicle operation.

As of Monday, Space Age was open with partial operation at the truck fuel islands.

“This is a reminder to all that when fueling your vehicle, you must remain vigilant and not be distracted,” Goff said.

When UCFD No. 1 arrived on the scene, crews quickly extinguished the tractor-trailer fire along with portions of the gas station to which the fire had extended. Crews were assisted by Umatilla Rural Fire District, Echo Fire Department, Pendleton Fire & Ambulance, and the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo of the Space Age fire by Suzie Reitz

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