The train was carrying crude oil on the Union Pacific rail line through the town of Mosier, about 70 miles east of Portland.
Union Pacific spokesman Aaron Hunt said the derailment caused an oil leak. Eleven cars in the 96-car train derailed around noon near Mosier, he said.
There were no fatalities or injuries.
The train was hauling oil from Eastport, Idaho, and headed for Tacoma, Washington. It was carrying Bakken crude oil, a type of oil known to be highly volatile.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown vowed to send more resources to the scene of the derailment Friday night after determining there was a threat to "life safety and property ... that exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment."
"I am committed to making the necessary resources available to help keep the community of Mosier safe," Brown said in a statement. "Additional water tenders and the coordination efforts of the Oregon State Fire Marshal are crucial elements to assist the firefighters on the ground."
Oregon State Police and the Hood River County Sheriff's Office were assisting, according to KOIN News.
The Oregon Department of Forestry is also dispatching fire crews to help put out the resulting fire, which is close to state land.
According to witnesses, multiple cars derailed and smoke and flames can be seen in downtown Mosier near the Rock Creek overpass.
Smoke can also be seen from a nearby weather skycam.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has closed I-84 westbound at The Dalles. Eastbound I-84 is closed at Mosier.
Mosier schools were evacuated.
Mid-Columbia Medical Center says no reports of injuries, but are prepared to receive patients.
"This a terrible situation. There is a large oil train fire in Mosier, in the Columbia River Gorge. We urge everyone to avoid the area to respect the work of the first responders," Brett VandenHeuvel, Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper, said.
Federal investigators are headed to the scene.
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