The fire-damaged Ka-Te Restaurant and Bar, located at 3554 S.E. 82nd Ave. (Courtesy photo submitted by Portland Fire & Rescue)

Portland police are searching for an arson suspect who temporarily trapped occupants inside a burning Southeast Portland restaurant early Tuesday, June 3.

No one was injured although occupants had to be directed out of the Ka-Te Restaurant and Bar, located at 3554 S.E. 82nd Ave.

According to Portland Fire & Rescue, crews were dispatched to the fire just before 2 a.m. Preliminary information said people were trapped inside as a patio fire was encroacing on the interior. Portland Bureau of Emergecny Communications dispatchers helped them escape, however.

Crews arrived to find active fire on the backside of the structure with people out front, who said everyone had escaped. A search of the interior confirmed that. PF&R crews quicky extinguished the fire on the exterior and ensured that it did not extend to the interior of the building, PF&R said.

PF&R is asking the public to help identify the suspect.  Everyone in the local area is asked to check their exterior cameras between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. and share the video with fire investigators by contacting 503-823-FIRE (3473).