Fire in OR Retirement Home Claims One, Injures Seven

One person died and seven others, including a firefighter and police officer, were injured when a fire ripped through part of a retirement center in St. Helens early Wednesday.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue called for additional resources, and the fire went to three alarms.

KOIN reported one resident was pronounced dead at the scene, while others were transported to a local hospital. A firefighter and a police officer drove themselves for treatment of minor injuries.

The fire at Columbia Hills Retirement Center was reported about 12:30 a.m.

Fire officials told reporters six units of the 31 unit complex were heavily damaged by the fire while several others were damaged by smoke. A portion of the roof also burned through. 

Residents who weren't hurt were moved or went home with relatives. 

The cause remains under investigation.