Full Breakdown
Explosion at Kittyhawk Products Triggers Evacuations in Canby
2/4/2026, 10:35:45 PM
Incident Overview
On Tuesday afternoon, an explosion occurred at Kittyhawk Products, a manufacturing facility located at 301 S. Redwood Street in Canby, Oregon. The incident, which took place shortly after 3:30 p.m., injured one employee and led to a Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation order for the surrounding area. Canby Fire Chief Matt Dale reported that one of two large tanks used for heat treating metal parts exploded, causing significant damage to the building and nearby structures.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
The explosion prompted immediate evacuation orders for a 600-foot radius around the facility, affecting local residents and businesses. The evacuation was maintained until at least 8 a.m. Wednesday, as fire officials assessed the risk of a second tank potentially exploding. The cooling process for the second tank is expected to take between 12 to 16 hours. During this time, the American Red Cross opened a shelter at Baker Prairie Middle School to assist displaced residents.
Impact on Local Schools
In response to the explosion, the Canby School District closed Trost Elementary School and Baker Prairie Middle School on Wednesday, February 4. Although these schools are outside the official evacuation zone, the district prioritized student safety due to concerns about students walking or biking near the site. Other schools in the district remained open as scheduled.
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Response
Residents reported hearing a loud bang and witnessing debris propelled into the air. One local resident described seeing debris reach heights of 300 to 400 feet. Surveillance footage captured the moment the explosion blew the roof off the building, sending a cloud of debris skyward. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames ignited by the explosion, and no hazardous materials were reported to have been released into the environment.
Official Statements
Canby Fire Chief Matt Dale characterized the incident as a "very successful outcome for a very devastating situation," noting that all employees were evacuated safely and that the injuries sustained were minor. The Canby Fire Department, along with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Clackamas Fire, responded to the emergency, with a hazmat team deployed to assist.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the explosion has been described as a "presumed gas explosion," the exact cause remains undetermined. Reports vary slightly regarding the timeline of the evacuation orders and the extent of the damage, but all sources agree on the significant impact of the explosion on the local community.
What's Next
As the situation develops, fire officials will continue to monitor the second tank's cooling process and reassess the evacuation order. The Canby community remains on alert as officials work to ensure safety and address any further risks associated with the incident.
