Authorities in Clackamas County have ordered residents of about 100 Canby homes to remain evacuated overnight after an argon gas tank exploded at an industrial building nearby, causing structural damage to the building.
Three employees of Kittyhawk Inc., a manufacturer that supplies aerospace and defense industry companies, were on site when the explosion happened Tuesday afternoon, and one was treated for minor injuries at a hospital, said Canby Fire Chief Matt Dale.
First responders at the scene of a "hazardous materials emergency" in Canby, Oregon on Tuesday.
Courtesy of Canby Fire Department
The evacuation was extended into Wednesday so a second argon gas tank at Kittyhawk that did not explode could cool to a safe temperature, he said.
First responders plan to assess the situation at 8 a.m. Wednesday and could extend the evacuation order.
Argon is non-toxic and non-flammable, but is heavier than air and can pose an asphyxiation risk in confined or low-lying areas. After the explosion Tuesday afternoon, Clackamas County declared a “hazardous materials emergency,” and urged people to cover their noses and mouths and roll up their car windows as they left to avoid inhaling gases and fumes.
Related: Click here for a map of the evacuation zone
The notice went out shortly after 5 p.m. to people near 301 South Redwood St. in Canby.
The Canby Police Department said evacuation orders in the 600-foot radius will remain in effect as investigators and first responders do their work. A shelter was set up at Baker Prairie Middle School.
People stuck in their homes or cars were urged to shut off their air conditioning and heaters to avoid drawing in any fumes.
People were told to take only essential items and pets as they evacuated.
Authorities evacuated between 80 and 100 homes after an explosion at Kittyhawk Inc.
Courtesy of Canby Fire Department
According to its website, Kittyhawk uses “high heat and pressure in an inert gas environment” in its metal manufacturing work. It specializes in a process known as hot isostatic pressing, a manufacturing technique that reduces the presence of tiny holes or gaps in metals and ceramics to make them stronger.
The company handles refrigerated liquid argon, according to a permit with the state fire marshal.
In 2021, an employee of its California location died after being exposed to argon in an enclosed space, according to an investigation by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Kittyhawk was fined and cited.
Officials with Kittyhawk declined to speak with OPB when reached by phone.
Dale, the Canby fire chief, said the company has a strong safety record in the community.
Last year, the company invested in its Canby location and added new staff for a full second shift, according to a “year in review” summary it posted online. It has been heavily focused on commercial aerospace and space industry work, the summary said, but it did not disclose its clients.
But work at the site is on hold for now. Kittyhawk’s building is no longer structurally sound, Dale said, and firefighters are waiting to confirm it’s safe to enter before they begin their investigation into the cause of Tuesday’s explosion.
Kittyhawk is surrounded by industrial buildings, but is only a short distance from retail outlets and a residential neighborhood. Pacific Highway, also known as Highway 99 E, is about half a mile away.
Canby is about 25 miles southeast of Portland.
Canby police say drivers should expect road closures at Southeast Third Avenue and Redwood and authorities are asking people to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Amanda Linares, Tony Schick and Michelle Wiley contributed reporting for this story.
