Portland, Ore. – A power pole fire that ignited just after 11 p.m. on Monday night on SW Barnes Road has forced a complete shutdown of Hwy 26 in both directions near the 217 exit, officials said. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded quickly to the blaze and reported that the fire is now under control, but the damaged pole continues to pose a risk to nearby MAX train tracks and all lanes of the highway.

Impact on commuters and transit riders

Because the pole is situated close to the MAX line, TriMet has suspended service through the affected segment until the area is deemed safe. Drivers are being redirected to alternate routes, including surface streets and nearby interchanges, to avoid the closure. The shutdown affects both eastbound and westbound traffic, creating significant delays for commuters heading to downtown Portland, the suburbs, and the Portland International Airport.

Response from local authorities

Fire officials emphasized that the fire was contained quickly, preventing a larger incident that could have damaged the highway infrastructure. “Our crews are working diligently to secure the site and ensure the safety of the public,” a Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue spokesperson said. The department is coordinating with TriMet and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to assess any structural damage and to plan for a safe reopening of the roadway.

What drivers should know

• All lanes of Hwy 26 near the 217 exit are closed until further notice.
• MAX train service is suspended in the immediate area of the fire.
• Drivers should use alternate routes such as SW 185th Avenue, SW 190th Avenue, and the 217 freeway to bypass the closure.
• Updates on traffic conditions and the status of the MAX line are being posted on the ODOT website and local news outlets.

Motorists are urged to stay alert for changing traffic patterns and to follow the directions of police and traffic control personnel stationed at the site. The closure is expected to remain in effect while engineers evaluate the pole and surrounding infrastructure for any needed repairs.

Looking ahead

Officials anticipate that once the pole is removed and the area is cleared, both the highway and the MAX line will reopen. In the meantime, the community is reminded of the importance of maintaining safe travel routes and supporting first‑responders who work around the clock to protect public safety.

For the latest traffic updates, residents can visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s traffic page or follow local news outlets for real‑time information.

Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.