Power Pole Fire Shuts Down Highway 26 Near Cedar Hills

WHO:

KATU - Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) crews responded to the power-pole fire; Portland General Electric (PGE) crews handled repairs; TriMet reported MAX service disruptions and provided shuttle buses.

KPTV - TVF&R firefighters responded to the fire; PGE crews assessed and repaired the pole; TriMet said MAX Blue and Red lines were disrupted.

KATU - A PGE spokesperson said, “We understand how frustrating this can be for people, especially during the morning commute. We’re working as quickly as safety allows.”

KATU - A PGE spokesperson said crews could make the area safe for traffic before completing the electrical repairs needed to restore power.

WHAT:

KATU - Highway 26 was closed between the Sylvan Hill and Highway 217 after a power-pole fire damaged power lines and created a hazard for the MAX line and highway. The highway reopened shortly after 10 a.m.

KPTV - The fire led to closures in both directions on Highway 26 near the Highway 217 exit; TVF&R said the pole threatened MAX service and all highway lanes in both directions.

KATU - PGE reported more than 2,500 customers without power near Providence St. Vincent Medical Center at about 5:30 a.m.; the number fell to just over 400 by about 7 a.m.

KPTV - Power in the Barnes area was restored just after 6 a.m.; crews were still assessing whether the pole needed replacement.

KATU - TriMet said the outage affected MAX train traffic at Sunset Transit Center and offered shuttle buses.

KPTV - Shuttle buses served stations between Beaverton Transit Center and Galleria/Library; TriMet advised riders to expect delays.

WHERE:

KATU - The fire was on SW Barnes Road; the highway closure ran between Sylvan Hill and Highway 217.

KPTV - The incident occurred in the Cedar Hills area near the Highway 217 exit.

KATU - Westbound drivers were diverted via the Sylvan exit to Highway 217, rejoining Highway 26 westbound at the 217 interchange. Eastbound drivers could take Highway 217 south to Canyon Road, then rejoin Highway 26 eastbound at the Sylvan onramp.

KATU - Drivers heading north on Highway 217 could use Barnes Road to Burnside and continue over the hill into Portland.

WHEN:

KATU - The fire occurred overnight; TVF&R was called late Monday night. The closure continued through Tuesday morning.

KPTV - TVF&R said firefighters responded just after 11 p.m.; the highway was expected to remain closed during Tuesday’s morning rush.

KPTV - TriMet’s service alert was posted October 27, 2026.

WHY:

KATU - PGE attributed the incident to a rare “pole-top fire,” potentially caused by dust and other contaminants accumulating during a long dry period and producing heat or arcing when damp.

KPTV - PGE said dust, dirt and debris can accumulate during a rain-free period; after the first rain, a film on the insulator can let electricity “escape” into the pole’s wood, causing a “pole top fire.”

HOW:

KATU - Firefighters extinguished the fire, and PGE worked through the night and morning to replace damaged lines.

KPTV - The fire was quickly brought under control; PGE crews accessed the pole to assess repairs and possible replacement.

KATU - Drivers were advised to postpone trips if possible or use alternate routes; MAX riders were served by shuttle buses.

(UPDATED October 27, 2026 19:08 UTC)

A power-pole fire on SW Barnes Road closed Highway 26 in both directions near Highway 217 and disrupted MAX Blue and Red line service. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, PGE crews repaired damaged lines, and the highway reopened shortly after 10 a.m.; power outages near Providence St. Vincent fell from more than 2,500 customers to just over 400. TriMet provided shuttle buses between Beaverton Transit Center and Galleria/Library, while PGE said the rare pole-top fire may have been caused by dust and debris building up during dry weather and allowing electricity to arc after damp conditions.