Several Injured as Boiler Explosion Ignites Factory Fire in Oregon's Northeast

At least six people were taken to hospital after a large fire engulfed a potato chip factory in Hermiston, Oregon, on February 22, firefighters said.

An explosion from a portable boiler fueled by natural gas caused the fire, according to Umatilla County Fire District 1, who said the blaze was the largest seen in the district in the last decade.

Local residents were informed they may have to evacuate due to air quality being affected by the smoke plume, according to the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office.

This video posted to Facebook by Steve Brown shows thick smoke billowing from the Shearer’s Foods factory. Credit: Steve Brown via Storyful