Dark smoke billows on Ross Island due to large fire in abandoned structure

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Dark smoke is billowing through the sky in Southeast Portland due to a "wild land" fire on Ross Island on Saturday, officials say.

Portland Fire and Rescue crews responded to the fire near the Willamette River east bank at Ross Island around 4:43 p.m.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but officials say it may be connected to the island's abandoned structures from the former Ross Island Sand and Gravel Co.

"Land-based crews have made access to what’s on fire on the island," PF&R shared in a post on social media. "Old abandoned equipment and tractor tires."

Crews are on the island to extinguish the garbage and tires that caught flame. PF&R said most of the fire had been contained by 7:30, but "the problem is the tires keep reigniting."

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.