ONTARIO, Ore. — A devastating early morning fire destroyed two apartment buildings under construction and damaged a neighboring home on Friday, prompting a multi-agency emergency response. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Ontario Fire & Rescue Chief Clint Benson said crews were dispatched around 2:31 a.m. to the 200 block of Southwest 6th Street following reports of a fire at an apartment construction site.

“Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story and a one-story residence fully engulfed in flames at the intersection of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest 6th Street,” Benson said. “The fire quickly threatened surrounding structures, which required immediate mutual aid support from the Payette and Fruitland fire departments.”

The firefighting effort involved five fire engines, two support vehicles, and an ambulance provided by Treasure Valley Paramedics. Firefighters worked for several hours to contain the blaze.

“Both buildings were still under construction, which posed additional challenges due to exposed materials and lack of fire suppression systems typically found in finished buildings,” Benson added.

In addition to the two destroyed structures, a neighboring home sustained damage, but no residents were harmed.

“The safety of the community is our top priority, and we’re grateful that no one was injured during this incident,” Benson said.

The Ontario Police Department and the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

“While the exact origin of the blaze remains under investigation, we are committed to thoroughly understanding the factors that led to this destructive fire to prevent similar incidents in the future,” said a spokesperson from the Fire Marshal’s Office.

The loss of the two apartment buildings under construction is a significant setback for the development in this area of Ontario. These buildings were part of a broader effort to increase housing availability and revitalize the neighborhood.

Local residents and city officials have expressed concern about the fire's impact on ongoing construction and the safety of other nearby developments.

“This incident underscores the importance of stringent fire safety measures at construction sites, especially where buildings are partially completed and vulnerable,” said a city official involved in urban planning.

The economic impact is also notable, with the estimated cost of the fire damage reaching into the millions. Insurance investigations will follow as contractors and developers assess the next steps for rebuilding.

Meanwhile, fire departments are reviewing their response to the incident to identify any lessons learned and to ensure rapid mobilization in future emergencies.

Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around construction sites to help prevent fires and other hazards.

As investigations continue, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about the progress and any safety advisories issued.

Originally reported by Tracy Bringhurst in KTVB.