HERMISTON, Ore. — Six people were taken to the hospital after an explosion and fire Tuesday afternoon at Shearer's Foods off Highway 207 in Hermiston.
Employees called 911 reporting a boiler explosion with possible injuries, the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office said.
Medical and firefighter units rushed to the scene to help put out the fire and assist anyone who was injured. Law enforcement agencies assisted on-scene as well.
Officials later confirmed a portable boiler fueled by natural gas exploded.
All six injured people were taken to Good Shepherd Hospital for treatment.
The Oregon Department of Transportation closed Highway 207 from Interstate 8 to Feedville Road. Union Pacific Railroad also stopped train traffic on the nearby rail line.
People living to the south of Shearer’s Foods, including PanelView RV Park and people at the Space Age and Comfort Inn, were evacuated.
Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 said it was the largest fire it has seen in its district in the last 10 years.
Multiple agencies responded and about 60 firefighters battled the blaze.
Shearer's is one of the largest potato chip plants in the area, officials said.
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