Auto Body Shop Destroyed In Forest Grove Fire

FOREST GROVE, OR — An auto body shop in Forest Grove was completely destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon, according to Forest Grove fire officials. No firefighters or civilians were injured.

Forest Grove fire crews were dispatched to Ortiz Auto Repair at 1833 C St. just after 12:30 p.m. Sept. 8. Just four blocks from the fire station, the repair shop fire was reportedly visible as firefighters loaded into their fire trucks. By the time they reached the shop, the firefighters found a fully engulfed building.

Complicating the firefighting effort, the roof of the building had collapsed prior to firefighters arrival on scene, burnt power lines — still live — had split apart and fell to the ground, and a water line broke in front of the building, which created a sinkhole measured at roughly 3 feet wide and more than 4 feet deep.

Bolstered by four fire engines and two water trucks, 30 firefighters were able to overcome the challenges and take control of the fire after a 45-minute battle, officials said.

The building, as well as two cars being repaired at the shop, were completely destroyed. Fire investigators are still working to determine what caused the blaze.

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Images via Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Chris Larson