Story perspectives

Portland demolishes Centennial Mills water tower with explosives

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Portland officials detonated explosives Monday, collapsing water tower of the 116-year-old Centennial Mills warehouse.
Crews placed charges Sunday, gave residents a 40-minute alert before the blasts and sounded sirens.
City permitting director Eric Kutch warned asbestos could become airborne but monitors showed safe levels.
Demolition will continue for two weeks to halve the building.
Devin Kennedy and Chris Conley were advised to wear N-95 masks, stay indoors, and call 988.

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Story summary

Portland officials detonated explosives Monday, collapsing water tower of the 116-year-old Centennial Mills warehouse.
Crews placed charges Sunday, gave residents a 40-minute alert before the blasts and sounded sirens.
City permitting director Eric Kutch warned asbestos could become airborne but monitors showed safe levels.
Demolition will continue for two weeks to halve the building.
Devin Kennedy and Chris Conley were advised to wear N-95 masks, stay indoors, and call 988.