Timberline closed Friday after fire at historic lodge

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Timberline is closed Friday after a fire in the historic lodge’s attic Thursday night.

According to officials, the first reports of the fire came in around 9:30 p.m., calling several fire crews to the scene.

Everyone evacuated safely and the fire was declared “under control” by 11:30 p.m., officials said. However, the cause of the 3-alarm fire remains under investigation by both the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Multnomah County health officials warn of the dangers of ‘tranq’

Early Friday morning it was announced that the lodge and ski area will be closed on Friday while the damage is assessed.

Many people who were on the scene overnight told KOIN 6 News the fire could’ve been much worse. Thanks to the efforts of fire crews, no one was injured and the lodge was damaged instead of being destroyed.

Pictures released by Clackamas County Fire show crews battling the blaze from the outside of the building and firefighters inside the historic lodge.

According to the investigators, it appears that embers in the fireplace ignited the roof, however, the flames didn’t make their way into the building’s interior. They said it appears that the fire and water damage wasn’t too serious and contained to one area.

“Walking out here last night, I still kind of thought it would just be a little thing, that we would be going right back in,” said Dody LeSueur, a lodge guest who was there when the fire happened. “But then I came out here and saw the sparks and that’s when I thought, oh my God, this is real.”

“So I think the roof was glowing right then, too,” added Dave LeSueur.

Structural investigations are underway, but if all goes to plan, the hotel is expected to open again on Sunday, April 21. The ski area is expected to reopen on Saturday.

Nike headquarters to shed more employees in second phase of layoffs

A large number of fire crews responded to the blaze at the lodge, including Clackamas Fire, Gresham Fire, Estacada Fire, Portland Fire and Rescue, and Hoodland Fire.

According to a release from Hooldand Fire, who were the first to arrive, the fire was declared “under control” by 11:30 p.m. Thursday but crews stayed on the scene for a few more hours to help protect “historical artifacts and artwork.” Firefighters finally left the lodge at 2:30 a.m. Friday when the fire was officially declared completely out.

Senator Ron Wyden thanked the responders on X Friday morning, saying the fire was devastating news to wake up to.

“Devastating news to wake up to,” Wyden said. “Big thanks to the first responders working hard to protect this iconic landmark beloved by generations of Oregonians.”

Stay tuned with KOIN 6 for more on this developing story

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.