Makeshift Beds Found at Centennial Mills Preceded August Fire
City records indicate that around 15 makeshift beds were discovered inside the Centennial Mills building in Portland, OR, by fire crews responding to a medical emergency in early June, preceding a fire at the location in August.
Portland, OR, September 17, 2026 —
PORTLAND, OR – Approximately 15 makeshift beds were discovered within the Centennial Mills building in Portland earlier this year, according to city records. The discovery was made by fire crews in early June while they were responding to a medical emergency at the site.
The presence of these temporary sleeping structures inside the historic building predates a separate fire incident that occurred at the same location in August.
Details regarding the exact number of individuals found or the specific nature of the medical emergency that prompted the fire crew’s response were not provided in the records. Similarly, the contractor’s name, specific permit status, inspection outcomes, or code violations related to the makeshift beds were not immediately available.
The Centennial Mills building has been a site of interest due to its history and its recent incidents. The discovery of the makeshift beds highlights a potential unsheltered population utilizing the abandoned space prior to the August fire, the cause and extent of which have not been detailed in relation to this discovery.
Further information regarding the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the beds or any subsequent actions taken by city officials was not immediately specified in the available records.
Story summarized from the original created by Vince Ybarra on www.kptv.com, see more information here.
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