Portland Schedules Demolition of Fire-Damaged Centennial Mills Warehouse

The City of Portland has scheduled the demolition of the Centennial Mills warehouse for Monday, August 18, 2026. The 116-year-old structure in the Pearl District became highly unstable after a four-alarm fire on August 2 collapsed all eight interior floors. Staton Companies, a Eugene-based contractor, will lead the operation, beginning with controlled explosions to remove a rooftop steel water tank before dismantling the remaining walls.

Mayor Keith Wilson declared a state of emergency on August 10, citing risks that freight train vibrations could trigger a total collapse. Portland Permitting & Development Director Eric Kutch warned that the blasts will be loud and may release airborne lead and asbestos particles, advising residents to stay indoors until dust clears. The city is coordinating with the United States Environmental Protection Agency to manage hazardous debris, and Northwest Naito Parkway and Fields Park remain closed to the public.

The site is currently an active crime scene. K-9 search teams previously signaled the presence of human remains inside the building on August 6. Portland Fire & Rescue has established a safety perimeter 1.5 times the building's height to protect the public. Officials stated that the demolition process will allow investigators to sift through the resulting debris for evidence.