Suspected arsonist arrested following early morning North Portland apartment fire

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, March 12, 2025

An individual was arrested following an apartment fire that ensued around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, in the St. John's neighborhood.

An individual was arrested following an apartment fire that ensued around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, in the St. John’s neighborhood. 

The alleged arsonist is charged with two counts of first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief and three counts of reckless endangerment.

Officials said there were no reported injuries, and at least one resident will be displaced, with the chance of the resident below to be displaced due to water damage. 

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a kitchen fire in a complex located on North Trumball Avenue.

Officials said crews arrived quickly due to the proximity to the nearest fire station. Portland Police Bureau was already on scene to aid in evacuating residents.

Initial trucks arrived, supplying water, investigating the fire and evacuating occupants, before a second alarm was called in preparation for if the fire grew. 

A second alarm adds 26 members in response along with a rehab unit to perform medical evaluations on both firefighters and residents, the fire department said. There were a total of 64 members assigned and enroute to the fire. 

The fire remained isolated to the single apartment, with a small amount of extension into attic space, allowing fire crew to completely extinguish it in under 20 minutes, with all second alarm companies turned around before arriving.