Explosion Rocks Canby Metal Plant Prompting Evacuations

On Tuesday afternoon, the quiet community of Canby, Oregon was jolted by a powerful explosion at Kittyhawk Products, a metal treatment facility known for its advanced manufacturing processes. The incident, which occurred around 3:45 p.m. on February 3, 2026, ripped the roof off the building and left surrounding neighborhoods reeling, both from the physical shock and the uncertainty that followed.

According to Fire Chief Matt Dale, the explosion was traced to one of two large, vertical tanks used for hot isostatic pressing—a process that utilizes extreme gas pressure and high temperatures to fabricate specialized parts for industries such as aerospace, space, and medicine. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers notes that this method is critical for creating high-performance components, but Tuesday’s event was a stark reminder of the risks inherent in such high-stakes manufacturing.

"The explosion blew the roof off the building and damaged the walls, making the structure unsafe for firefighters to enter," Chief Dale explained, as reported by KGW. The tanks, each about 15 feet tall and located underground in a pit, are designed to withstand immense pressure. Yet, when one failed, the resulting blast was so forceful that debris was flung across the area, landing on nearby homes and damaging adjacent buildings, including Canby Utility, which shares a property line with Kittyhawk Products.

Residents described a scene of chaos and confusion. Amber Sump, who lives nearby but was away at the time, recounted the aftermath: "Big chunks of insulation were on top of their roofs. It's unnerving to say the least. It's unnerving to not know." Her story echoed the feelings of many neighbors, who received calls and texts from concerned friends and family as news of the explosion spread.

The physical impact of the blast was felt well beyond the facility itself. Witnesses reported the ground shaking, and the manager of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, located just blocks away, told KGW that the explosion shook his building. He also heard from people miles away who felt the shockwave. Doorbell cameras throughout Canby captured the moment, showing smoke billowing from the industrial area shortly after 4 p.m.

Inside the facility, three employees were present at the time of the explosion. Miraculously, only one suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. No fatalities were reported, a fact that Chief Dale emphasized as a fortunate outcome given the scale of the destruction. "Minor injury, no loss of life. Property damage can be fixed," he said. "This is a very successful outcome for a very devastating situation."

The immediate aftermath saw emergency responders racing to secure the area. Firefighters from Canby Fire, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, Clackamas Fire, and Aurora Fire converged on the scene. The structure was deemed too dangerous for entry, so crews used aerial devices to douse fires through the gaping hole where the roof once stood. Meanwhile, Northwest Natural worked quickly to secure the natural gas supply, preventing further risk.

But the danger was far from over. The second tank, which had not exploded, remained superheated. According to the manufacturer's specifications, it would require 12 to 16 hours to cool down to a safe level. This lingering threat prompted officials to establish a 600-foot evacuation zone around the site. The evacuation order was sweeping, encompassing two apartment buildings, most of a 70-home mobile home park, and several other properties. The presence of medical and dental offices, as well as a veterinary hospital in the immediate vicinity, heightened concerns for community safety.

Clackamas County wasted no time in issuing a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation order for the affected area, designating it a hazardous materials emergency and urging residents to leave immediately. The city of Canby echoed the urgency in a social media post at 3:50 p.m., warning of a "presumed gas explosion." The Red Cross was quickly called in to assist those displaced by the evacuation, and Clackamas County Emergency Management coordinated shelter options. Information about evacuation levels and overnight shelters was made available on the county's emergency management website.

Chief Dale addressed the evacuees directly: "I know this is tough on folks to be evacuated from your home, but this is the safest thing for us to do." The evacuation zone was not arbitrary. Dale explained that the tanks, which are vertical and about two stories high, are located underground in a pit. When the first tank exploded, it shot straight up, which limited the necessary evacuation distance to 600 feet. Still, the risk was significant enough that officials would not reconsider the evacuation order until 8 a.m. the following morning, February 4, 2026.

Despite the dramatic nature of the explosion, Chief Dale was able to offer some reassurance: "No hazardous materials were released to the soil, air or water." This was a key relief for residents and environmental officials alike, as the potential for chemical contamination is a common concern in industrial accidents of this scale.

Surrounding streets were shut down, and as night fell, a drone was deployed to survey the damage from above. The Red Cross and county officials worked through the evening to ensure that those forced from their homes had shelter and support. Firefighters maintained a watchful presence, monitoring the site overnight for any signs of renewed danger from heat or fire.

Remarkably, the nearby Barker Prairie Middle School and other schools in the Canby School District were unaffected by the explosion, according to a district spokesperson. This spared parents and students additional worry amid an already tense situation.

The process that led to the explosion—hot isostatic pressing—is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing for high-tech industries, but it’s not without its hazards. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers describes it as an essential technology for creating strong, durable parts for aerospace and medical applications. Yet, as Tuesday’s incident demonstrated, even the most advanced systems can fail, sometimes with dramatic consequences.

As Canby residents await further updates and the reevaluation of evacuation orders, the community has been left to process a harrowing event that, fortunately, resulted in no loss of life. The cause of the tank’s failure is still under investigation, and officials have pledged to review safety protocols to prevent a recurrence. For now, the focus remains on recovery, support for those displaced, and gratitude that the outcome was not far worse.

The events in Canby serve as a sobering reminder of the balance between industrial progress and public safety. For a town shaken but resilient, the days ahead will be about rebuilding—and perhaps, rethinking how such essential yet potentially hazardous facilities are managed in the heart of a community.