The Detroit Dam, one of 13 multi-purpose dams operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in the Willamette Valley, stores water from the North Santiam river and is paired with Big Cliff dam which is situated lower on the river.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, which occurred early on Tuesday morning and was attended by several Santiam Canyon fire agencies. Two dam workers were immediately evacuated from the power house when fire broke out at approximately 12:35am.
So far, an extensive assessment of the damage has not been possible because the fire spread excess soot and dangerous levels of carbon dioxide through the building, preventing anyone from entering until contract hazardous materials crews have ventilated the powerhouse and made it safe.
Bryan von Bargen, spokesman for USACE, said that fish and wildlife downstream of the dam will not be affected by the closure of the dam because the operators are releasing water over the spillway to maintain the river flow levels until power generation recommences. Spokeswoman Amy Echols has also reassured customers of the Bonneville Power Administration, which uses power generated by the dam, that the service will not be affected.
