It could have turned into a major brushfire; firefighters put it out before it could spread -- near Ochoco Street

Clackamas Fire and Rescue crews responded to a fire reported near S.E. 17th and Ochoco Street in Sellwood on Sunday morning, March 5. The fire started at a homeless camp and got out of control, damaging some nearby overhead power lines. There were no injuries, and the fire was swiftly extinguished.

A Clackamas Fire District #1 spokesperson said that apparently there were no power interruptions sparked by the blaze, but arriving firefighters heard "popping and explosion sounds" from the high-tension powerlines above the smoky fire as they pulled up.