Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge saved by firefighters from Oregon wildfire

An historic lodge in Oregon has been saved by fire crews battling the Eagle Creek Fire.

Multnomah Falls Lodge was built in 1925.

Late Tuesday night, fire officials shared the good news that Oregon State Fire Marshal’s structural firefighters were able to protect the lodge from fire danger.

"Unified command is happy to report that the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, was saved by Oregon State Fire Marshal's structural firefighters. A task force of structural engines and one aerial ladder truck worked in conjunction with a strike team of water tenders to keep the lodge wetted down during the fire storm of falling embers. Large trees nearby torched and fire crews used hose lines to protect the lodge from heat," officials wrote.

Officials with Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue shared an image over their Twitter account, thanking the men and women fighting the fire near the falls.

%

%

The Multnomah Falls plummet 620 feet in two steps; it’s the highest waterfall in Oregon and the second highest in the nation, according to the lodge’s website.

The land was donated by Simon Benson, as was the funding for the construction of the Benson Bridge, which was constructed in 1914 and lets visitors cross over the lower falls.

Ownership of the lodge was transferred to the U.S. Forest Service in 1939 and is now run by Multnomah Falls Company.

The Eagle Creek Fire had grown to almost five square miles by Sunday. The U.S. Forest Service said the wildfire was human-caused and is under investigation by the Oregon State Police.

Fire officials said Wednesday the fire is now estimated to be 20,000 acres.

The Eagle Creek and Indian Creek Fires have merged and are now being treated by fire officials as one.

TRENDING NOW: 

• Northwest smoke and ash: How long is the smoke expected to stay in Seattle? 
• PHOTOS: Ash falls across Western Washington 
• Q & A: What to know about ash falling in Western Washington
• Will the ash hurt my car?
• VIDEO: Seattle Smoke & Ash 

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Cox Media Group