FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Columbia County Opens Temporary Shelter for Residents Displaced in St. Helens

Emergency Management, Public Health, and Red Cross coordinate support for impacted residents

ST. HELENS, Ore., Sept. 9, 2026 — Columbia County has established a temporary shelter at the Columbia County Fairgrounds for residents displaced from fire at a St. Helens residential building affecting 24 housing units. One individual was transported via emergency medical services to an area hospital.

Some residents have been able to secure other accommodations, while others remain in need of temporary shelter and housing assistance. The American Red Cross has been activated and is assisting with the response.

Columbia County Emergency Management and Columbia County Public Health are working with the City of St. Helens, the Red Cross and other partners to coordinate resources and help ensure impacted residents have a safe place to stay and access to needed services.

“Property management is working with city officials to determine when it is safe to return to the building,” said Jessica Kosydar, Columbia County Emergency Management Coordinator.

In coordination with Columbia County Emergency Management, Sunshine Pizza in St. Helens is providing dinners for displaced residents staying at the evacuation location.

Columbia County extends its sincere appreciation to Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Scappoose Fire, emergency responders, Columbia County Fairgrounds, partner agencies, local businesses, and community members who have stepped forward to assist those impacted.

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