Officials: Destructive NE Portland fire was arson

(Update: Fire out, residents can return home)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A wind-driven grass fire that roared to life during rush hour in a residential neighborhood of northeast Portland and prompted evacuations was intentionally set, fire authorities said Tuesday.

The late Monday blaze damaged five buildings, destroyed 50 cars in a parking lot and sent people running from their homes as residents across the city gawked at the huge plume of black smoke.

Investigators want to speak to anyone who may have seen how the fire started in an abandoned driving range, Portland Fire and Rescue Lt. Jason Anderson said at a news conference.

Officials declined to say what led them to believe the fire was arson.

No one was hurt and firefighters were able to contain the flames to an area about the size of 2 city blocks.

A grass fire in a densely populated area of a big city is unusual and comes as a late-summer heat wave in the region pushed temperatures to 96 degrees by Tuesday afternoon.

Fire authorities issued a burn ban effective immediately in the metropolitan area because of high temperatures, low rainfall and dry conditions.

The Lumberyard, an indoor BMX bike park and camp, was damaged in the blaze and its owners said Tuesday there was still no power.

“We have immense gratitude for Portland’s fire, police, and emergency services; without their skill and courage, the toll would certainly have been worse,” they posted on Facebook.

The fire broke out near Northeast 85th Avenue and Siskiyou Street, officials said. The fire brought in about 120 firefighters, including resources from neighboring areas and Portland International Airport, KGW reported.

Portland Fire & Rescue Lt. Rich Chatman said the fire began at an old, abandoned driving range overrun with blackberry bushes, with wind and dry fuels pushing the fire southeast toward homes and the Lumberyard MTB, a skateboarding and bike park.

The thick, black smoke could be seen across the city. Officials urged any residents within 10 to 12 blocks to shelter in place and close their windows and doors, over concern about air quality, and some residents were wearing filter masks due to the smoke.

No injuries were reported, but more than 6,000 people lost power due to the blaze. A shelter was set up at a nearby church for any evacuees or people experiencing health issues.