Residents across the Portland metro area were left puzzled and alarmed Tuesday night by a strong, acrid odor that spread through neighborhoods, prompting hundreds of social media posts describing a smell of burning plastic, tires, or fireworks.
“Smells toxic,” one Portlander wrote on Reddit, while another said, “Just closed my windows because it was burning my eyes and smells awful.” Reports poured in from North and Northeast Portland, as well as Sellwood, West Linn, and other parts of the region, leading many to wonder whether the odor posed a health risk.
Officials Point to Vancouver Fire as Likely Source
By late Tuesday, emergency officials had a possible explanation. The Vancouver Fire Department reported that a large fire had broken out around 8:40 p.m. at Pacific Coast Shredding, a metal recycling and shredding facility located at the Port of Vancouver.
Also Read
According to Vancouver Fire spokesperson Joe Hudson, firefighters arrived to find “a large pile of scrap metal fully engulfed in flames.” More than 40 firefighters from Vancouver Fire Department and Clark County Fire District 6 worked through the night to contain the blaze, continuing to spray water well into Wednesday morning.
As of midday Wednesday, the fire was under control, though smoke and odors were still lingering. Officials have not yet determined what caused the blaze.
Weather Conditions Spread the Odor
Meteorologist David Bishop with the National Weather Service in Portland said it was “highly probable” that the metal fire in Vancouver was responsible for the strong odor blanketing the metro area.
“The prevailing westerly winds carried smoke and airborne particles eastward across the Columbia River and into Portland,” Bishop explained. “That’s why people from North Portland down to West Linn reported similar smells.”
Because of the industrial materials involved, the smoke likely contained metallic and chemical compounds that gave off the sharp, burning scent residents described.
No Immediate Health Warnings Issued
While many residents worried the air might be unsafe to breathe, officials said there was no evidence of toxic exposure levels as of Wednesday morning. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality continues to monitor air quality in the region.
Still, authorities advised anyone experiencing irritation or breathing discomfort to remain indoors with windows closed until conditions improve.
Fire Investigation Ongoing
As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Hudson said crews expect to stay on site for much of Wednesday to ensure there are no flare-ups.
“We’re working to fully extinguish the fire and determine what started it,” he said. “These types of metal pile fires can burn hot for a long time.”
Residents who notice lingering odors or visible smoke are encouraged to report them to local air quality agencies.
Though the smell may fade soon, Tuesday night’s incident served as a reminder of how quickly industrial fires — even across the river — can affect air quality and daily life throughout the Portland-Vancouver metro area.
