Cause of fire still under investigation
An early morning fire in the 300 block of Southwest Dorion Avenue destroyed two homes and injured two people on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Emergency services dispatched to the area of Southwest Dorion Avenue and Southwest 4th Street at 5:29 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found an outbuilding fully engulfed in flames and two other buildings heavily involved. The fire had reached the attic of a third house, and quick action from fire crews with defensive hand lines was able to save that structure from becoming a total loss. A fourth home in the vicinity was also protected through vigorous action by firefighters.
Two civilians were transported to St. Anthony Medical Center with serious injuries, and two individuals were referred to Red Cross for sheltering.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
Units from Pendleton Fire & Ambulance, Umatilla County Fire District No. 1, Umatilla Tribal Fire, East Umatilla Fire & Rescue, and Pilot Rock Fire Department participated in fire suppression.
Pendleton Police Department also responded and closed roadways, including four blocks of Southwest Dorion Avenue. Drivers should expect an extended closure of Dorion Avenue between Southwest Third and Southwest Fourth streets.
Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Pendleton Public Works Department also assisted.
Chief Anthony Pierotti expressed his thanks to all the crews for their hard work on this incident.
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Photo provided by Pendleton Police Department.
July 23, 2026