From KGW
January 22, 2024

PORTLAND, Ore. — An arson investigation is underway into a series of fires set earlier this month in North Portland, at a location slated to become one of Portland's six planned large-scale sanctioned homeless camping sites.

The location of the camp, 10505 North Portland Road, was announced by Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler in October 2023.

PPB said information gathered by investigators at the scene suggest the fires were intentionally set. Police released two surveillance images of a suspect or suspects connected to the fires and is asking the public to help them identify and locate the suspect or suspects shown in the photos.

The fires were set early in the morning on Sunday, Jan. 7. Though firefighters were able to put out the flames, PPB said the fires caused "tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage" to a bulldozer, excavator and forklift.

Bryan Aptekar, a spokesperson for the city of Portland, told KGW that the machinery was on-site to conduct preliminary site preparation — removing some barrels on the surface of the lot. Despite the fires, the work continued the next day and was completed that week. The site is not being worked on currently while the city navigates requirements from the Department of Environmental Quality to clean up the site from past contamination.

"We are disappointed that vandals attempted to slow down the efforts to provide critical services, support and shelter to the most vulnerable in our community," Aptekar said in an email to KGW.

Becca, a neighbor who lives nearby, voiced similar frustration about the suspected arson.

"That's horrible," Becca said. "Just putting back the progress, just really hurting our city and the good plans that they have going."

In an online blog and anarchist platform called Rose City Counter-Info, an anonymous post published on Friday admits to the arson and condemns the city's plans for the site. Another post claims responsibility for torching Commissioner Rene Gonzalez's car outside his home earlier this month. Portland police told KGW they are aware of the posts.

The fires are being investigated by PF&R's Fire Investigations Unit, police said.

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