Three injured from scalding Ore. hot springs

By KATU Web Staff Published: Sep 7, 2008 at 12:24 PM PST Last Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 12:49 AM PST
Three injured from scalding Ore. hot springs
A file photo of the Austin Hot Springs shows a caution sign in the area. It was not clear if such a sign was still posted when three people were burned at the hot springs recently.

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. - Two people reportedly suffered life-threatening burns and another person was injured while immersed in Austin Hot Springs along the Clackamas River this weekend, authorities said.

The three, who were believed to be two women and a 4-year-old child, were all able to get treatment at a Portland-area hospital, but their conditions were not immediately known, according to Detective Jim Strovink of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. Their names were not released.

He said water at the hot springs can reach temperatures in excess of 190 degrees at times.

The hot springs are on private land that has been closed to the public for some time, Strovink said. It is located along a road in a remote part of southeastern Clackamas County - about halfway between Estacada and Detroit.

Reviews of the hot springs posted on the Internet warn visitors that the water temperature can change quickly and the hot spring water and cold river water do not mix well.