Tag: Fire

Community, Event

Watching Fireworks With Personal Use Banned

Portland City Council permanently banned the sale and use of all consumer fireworks within city limits in March 2022. This restriction includes Independence Day celebrations, often occurring during hot and dry weather. The ban also prohibits the purchase of personal fireworks outside the City and returning to Portland to use them, so Portland Fire & Rescue (PP&R) encourages people to attend the professional July 4th fireworks displays presented throughout the region. Montavilla residents can usually view the 10 p.m. Waterfront Blues Festival display from Mt. Tabor Park uphill from Reservoir Number 5.

The consumer fireworks prohibition passed the 2022 Portland City Council unanimously, in part due to a fatal fireworks fire the previous year and in reaction to the Eagle Creek Fire in the gorge, which started with the use of personal fireworks. Fire departments regularly experience a spike in injuries, fires, and fatalities during the fireworks season, which begins on June 23rd and runs through July 6th. People with pets also report significant stress inflicted on their animals during this time, with some dogs and cats becoming separated from their owners when they run away from the explosive sounds.

Map showing Mt. Tabor Park with marked view spot for fireworks display, highlighting nearby streets and landmarks.
Portland Maps image with MV News illustration

On June 15th, Portland’s Fire Marshal issued a burn ban for the City due to forecasted high summer temperatures and ongoing dry conditions. Effective immediately, people must refrain from using recreational campfires, fire pits, or burring yard debris. Outdoor grills, smokers, and similar cooking appliances are allowed if they use clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels. Residents should exercise extreme caution when using the allowed outdoor cooking devices and place them at least ten feet away from anything combustible, such as siding, fences, or shrubbery. The burn ban will remain in effect throughout the summer weather season.

A small firework emitting sparks and colors on a concrete surface, with discarded firework remnants nearby.

People can contact PF&R 503-823-3700 for additional information about the burn ban. Although the City prohibits the use of personal fireworks, emergency services request that people refrain from calling in reports of firework violations to 911 so that the dispatch system can remain open for reports of serious crimes, fires, and injuries. For non-emergencies reports of illegal fireworks displays, residents who witnessed the unauthorized use of fireworks can report the incident online (portland.gov/311/report-fireworks).

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Jacob Loeb

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Community, Government

Extreme Heat and Burn Ban

High temperatures and low precipitation in the area caused officials to implement a burn ban starting on June 15th, 2026, and lasting through the summer months. An Extreme Heat warning has triggered Multnomah County’s cooling centers to open for those who need relief from the heat, and TriMet will not turn away people who can not pay a fare when traveling to and from a cooling center between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday, June 15th.

Portland’s Fire Marshal issued the recreational fire prohibition for the City due to increased fire danger from the continued hot and dry weather conditions. Effective immediately, people must refrain from using recreational campfires, fire pits, or burning yard debris. Outdoor grills, smokers, and similar cooking appliances are allowed if they use clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels. Residents should exercise extreme caution when using the allowed outdoor cooking devices and place them at least ten feet away from anything combustible, such as siding, fences, or shrubbery. Residents should also note that personal fireworks are always banned in Portland, as their use can cause injury and fires that spread quickly in dry conditions.

People can contact PF&R at 503-823-3700 for additional information about the burn ban. Although the City prohibits the use of personal fireworks and has implemented a burn ban, emergency services request that people refrain from calling 911 to report violations so the dispatch system can remain open for serious crimes, out-of-control fires, and injuries. For non-emergencies, Portland residents can call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 after the holiday. Additionally, individuals witnessing the unauthorized use of fireworks can report the incident online (portland.gov/311/report-fireworks).

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Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Otter Wax, a neighborhood producer of small-batch specialty goods handcrafted in Portland. Using only natural ingredients, they make modern care products that are steeped in tradition. We thank them for their support.

Construction

Fire at Youth Recover Center Under Construction

An overnight fire at the youth-focused 4D Recovery center off NE 100th Avenue will likely delay construction timelines for the currently unoccupied facility. The nonprofit organization bought the 1980-era office building at 180 NE 100th Avenue in July 2025 and began transforming the structure into a new treatment center with onsite living space for inpatient care.

A fenced construction site featuring a gray building with graffiti and a sign indicating professional services near a suburban sidewalk.
Construction fence erected at 180 NE 100th Ave August 7, 2025

A social media announcement at the time of the building’s acquisition explained that the site would “become Oregon’s first Adolescent and Family Recovery Campus.” It went on to say the site would host 4D Recovery’s youth detox, residential inpatient treatment, outpatient care, mental health services, family therapy, and a recovery community center. The organization has roots back to 2012, when it began providing a safe place to hang out and socialize for young people seeking recovery, offering a drug- and alcohol-free environment. It has grown to support a variety of youth recovery services operating in over half a dozen Oregon locations.

View of a black building and a white building surrounded by a chain-link fence, indicating a construction or renovation site on a cloudy day.
Construction fence post fire at 180 NE 100th Ave April 12, 2026

The fire that broke out before 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 11th, already had visible flames when Portland Fire & Rescue’s Engine 19 arrived at the scene. According to reports, construction fencing initially inhibited access, but crews quickly began addressing the fire, working to keep the flames contained to the single-story portion of the nearly 18,000-square-foot building. Additional alarms called by first responders brought in more firefighting resources, and the fire was mostly contained by midnight. The source of the fire is still under investigation.

A view through an open door revealing extensive fire damage inside a building, with charred structures visible. A warning sign on the wall advises against trespassing and other activities.
A burned building with charred wooden walls, missing sections, and remnants of a roof; surrounded by a fence and overgrown vegetation.

The new Adolescent & Family Campus was set to open in the first half of 2026. This fire will set back those plans for a nonprofit that planned to serve youth ages 14 to 17 from this location. Fire officials report there were no injuries, and no one was displaced as the building was still under construction. People interested in supporting this organization’s efforts or interested in learning more can visit its capital campaign page at 4drecovery.org/capital-campaign.

A fenced-off area with damaged buildings, one partially burnt, in a parking lot under cloudy skies.

Update April 13, 2026: Fire officials have determined through their investigative practices that the April 11th fire at 180 NE 100th Avenue was an act of arson. Investigators do not have evidence to suggest the youth recovery facility was specifically targeted, but they are seeking a person of interest in connection with this arson event.

Update April 20, 2026: The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) arrested a suspect in connection with this fire. The person is suspected of starting other fires that day, include two dumpster fires on NE 102nd Avenue and an incident of burning cardboard near an occupied building on NE 99th Avenue. Police say the individual in custody had outstanding misdemeanor warrants, including a Reckless Burning charge from January 2026.

There is a GoFundMe campaign to help bridge the gap between what insurance will likely pay and the cost to rebuild. 4D Recover also has a direct donation link in its website 4drecovery.org.

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Community

Friday Morning East Burnside Apartment Fire

Around 5:52 a.m. on July 11th, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) received notice of an apartment fire at the Vandalay Arms Apartments. The 19-unit complex at 10405 E Burnside Street sits next to a recently completed multifamily building, prompting a significant four-alarm firefighter response to control the blaze and prevent its spread to other adjacent structures. Around 7 a.m., PF&R crews began to disband, reopening E Burnside Street to some transit and vehicle traffic that had been blocked by responding emergency service vehicles and firefighting apparatus. Most residents made it out of the building unharmed, but early reports say that PF&R rescued two people from the building who needed transport to a hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The owners of the apartment building that burned in the early Friday morning fire were in the process of selling the 1997-era property, which had an asking price of $2,375,000. A significant number of units were damaged in the fire, resulting in the displacement of residents. Fire officials stated that one of the two buildings on the property is likely a complete loss. KGW reports that officials have detained one person as part of the investigation into the fire.

Portland Fire & Rescue personnel and equipment at the scene of an apartment fire, with a fire truck stationed nearby.

TriMet halted MAX Blue line service and rerouted some buses temporarily near 102nd Avenue due to road closures. Drivers needed to find detours around the area where firefighters were responding. However, the quick response of PF&R crews quickly extinguished the fire, and most of the roadway has reopened for the morning commute. The residents of Vandalay Arms Apartments, many of whom will need to find new housing, face numerous challenges ahead as they deal with the aftermath of this fire.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Event

Fireworks to Watch Not Light

The previous Portland City Council permanently banned the sale and use of all consumer fireworks within city limits in March 2022. This restriction includes Independence Day celebrations, often occurring during hot and dry weather. The ban also prohibits the purchase of personal fireworks outside the City and returning to Portland to use them, so Portland Fire & Rescue (PP&R) encourages people to attend the professional July 4th fireworks displays presented throughout the region. Montavilla residents can usually view the 10 p.m. Waterfront Blues Festival display from Mt. Tabor Park uphill from Reservoir Number 5.

Map showing Mt. Tabor Park with marked view spot for fireworks display, highlighting nearby streets and landmarks.
Portland Maps image with MV News illustration

The consumer fireworks prohibition passed the Portland City Council unanimously, in part due to a fatal fireworks fire the previous year and in reaction to the Eagle Creek Fire in the gorge, which started with the use of personal fireworks. Fire departments regularly experience a spike in injuries, fires, and fatalities during the fireworks season, which begins on June 23rd and runs through July 6th. People with pets also report significant stress inflicted on their animals during this time, with some dogs and cats becoming separated from their owners when they run away from the explosive sounds.

This holiday weekend’s predicted low humidity could increase the danger from fireworks. On June 23rd, Portland’s Fire Marshal issued a burn ban for the City due to forecasted high summer temperatures and ongoing dry conditions. Effective immediately, people must refrain from using recreational campfires, fire pits, or burring yard debris. Outdoor grills, smokers, and similar cooking appliances are allowed if they use clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels. Residents should exercise extreme caution when using the allowed outdoor cooking devices and place them at least ten feet away from anything combustible, such as siding, fences, or shrubbery. The burn ban will remain in effect throughout the summer weather season.

A small firework emitting sparks and colors on a concrete surface, with discarded firework remnants nearby.

People can contact PF&R 503-823-3700 for additional information about the burn ban. Although the City prohibits the use of personal fireworks, emergency services request that people refrain from calling in reports of firework violations to 911 so that the dispatch system can remain open for reports of serious crimes, fires, and injuries. For non-emergencies in Portland, such as illegal fireworks displays, residents can call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 after the holiday. Additionally, individuals witnessing the unauthorized use of fireworks can report the incident online (portland.gov/311/report-fireworks).

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Update June 30, 2025: Added link to online fireworks reporting tool.

Food and Drink, Renovation, Restaurant, Top 2025, View of Montavilla

Fire at Future Chick-fil-A Restaurant

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to an early morning fire inside the shuttered Venue Gentlemen’s Club at 9950 SE Stark Street. The national chain chicken sandwich company, Chick-fil-A Inc., owns the approximately 7,012 square-foot building. Firefighters arrived just before 3 a.m. on January 4th, reportedly observing heavy smoke coming from the structure. Upon entering the building, crews found signs of a ceiling fire and called in a second alarm assignment. Within 20 minutes, crews had the fire under control and found no signs of injury within the building.

Firefighters working outside the shuttered Venue Gentlemen’s Club entrance. Photo by Dennis Weis, courtesy PF&R.

Chick-fil-A Inc. completed the purchase of this property in November 2024, less than a month after the adult entertainment company leasing the space ceased operations on October 26th. This building is located between SE Stark and SE Washington Streets on SE 99th Avenue, just across SE Washington Street from the Mall 205 complex that new investors purchased in January 2022. Several real estate and commercial property interests are investing in properties within this formerly bustling retail center in the Gateway District. Chick-fil-A joins other national chains like Chipotle Mexican Grill, which are continuing efforts to reestablish this area as a commercial corridor for East Portland. Despite the big-name brands moving into some storefronts in this area, the new owners of Plaza 205 are courting a cohort of Asian American owned businesses blocks east of the future Chick-fil-A location, offering more retail diversity to the area’s revival.

North side smoke damage and signs of firefighter efforts to cut power (Jacob Loeb)

Based on visible damage, the fire at 9950 SE Stark Street is unlikely to change plans for the Chick-fil-A project significantly. The building’s overhaul includes substantial renovations while maintaining the general shape of the 1984-era building. Motorists will maintain parking lot access from the two existing SE Washington Street and SE Stark Street driveways. However, guests will need to park their vehicles at this fast food location as the building will not offer a drive-through window. Crews will rework the facade and roof to incorporate a new entry vestibule. Sidewalk improvements around the site will join the parking lot and ramp additions to increase accessible entry to the restaurant. Workers will restructure the interior with all new restrooms, a play area, a sit-down dining room, and kitchen space to meet the Chick-fil-A standards. The existing free-standing sign by each entrance will lose its lower panel letter boards, and contractors will refresh them with Chick-fil-A branding. Illuminated channel letter signs spelling the restaurant’s name will adorn the sides of the building. Permit plans indicate this store will display a “Delivery Drivers” sign directing the app-based service providers to a designated area for pickup, perhaps signaling an anticipated elevated demand for that option.

Venue Gentlemen’s Club post closing October 2024 (Jacob Loeb)

Fire investigators are still working to determine what sparked the blaze. If Portland Permitting & Development approves plans currently under review, crews could begin construction at this property in 2025. However, fire damage could further complicate this project, which has taken years to develop.

By

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Otter Wax, a neighborhood producer of small-batch specialty goods handcrafted in Portland. Using only natural ingredients, they make modern care products that are steeped in tradition. We thank them for their support.

Community, Entertainment, View of Montavilla

Personal Fireworks Still Banned

In March 2022, Portland City Council permanently banned the sale and use of all consumer fireworks. This restriction includes Independence Day celebrations, particularly with the hot and dry weather expected this holiday weekend. Portland Fire & Rescue (PP&R) encourages people to attend the professional fireworks displays presented throughout the region. Montavilla residents can often view the South Waterfront Blues Festival display from Mt. Tabor Park uphill from Reservoir Number 5.

Portland Maps image with MV News illustration

The consumer fireworks prohibition passed the Portland City Council unanimously in part due to a fatal fireworks fire the previous year and in reaction to the devastating Eagle Creek Fire in the gorge that started with the use of personal fireworks. Fire departments regularly see a spike in injuries, fires, and fatalities related to the fireworks season, which begins on June 23rd and runs through July 6th. People with pets also report significant stress inflicted on their animals during this time, with some dogs and cats becoming separated from their owners when they run away from the explosive sounds.

This holiday weekend’s predicted triple-digit heat and low humidity could contribute to an enhanced danger from fireworks. PF&R is already responding to increased grass, brush, and vegetation fires without the added spark provided by personal pyrotechnics. Fireworks are easy for people to obtain outside the Portland area, with many ignoring the ban. PF&R has seen a rise in Independence Day fires, surpassing pre-ban numbers last year. Officials ask the public to abide by City fireworks rules and help protect the community from harm.

Update: Today, July 2nd, the Fire Marshal issued a burn ban for the City of Portland due to forecasted high temperatures and ongoing dry conditions. Effective immediately, people must refrain from using recreational campfires, fire pits, or burring yard debris. Outdoor grills, smokers, and similar cooking appliances are allowed if they use clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels. Residents should exercise extreme caution when using the allowed outdoor cooking devices and place them at least ten feet away from anything combustible, such as siding, fences, or shrubbery. The burn ban will remain in effect throughout the summer weather season.

Article and photo by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscribers or sponsors. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Crime, View of Montavilla

Abandoned Vehicle Fire Near Gateway Green

Last week, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crews responded to a vehicle fire near the northern entrance to Gateway Green Park between Interstate 84 and Interstate 205. Firefighters found a stack of cars and one boat ablaze. The rocky location beside railroad tracks kept the fire mostly contained until crews extinguished it. Workers with Union Pacific previously stacked the abandoned vehicles they found along the nearby railroad tracks to form an access road barricade.

Portland Maps image with MV News illustrations

Over the last few years, people have left a half-dozen cars and at least one boat next to the Union Pacific tracks that run between I-84 and I-205. During that time, miscreants vandalized the cars and stripped them for parts, leaving mostly scrap metal hulks behind. In an April cleanup, crews working for Union Pacific moved the scrapped vehicles from their respective locations and stacked them near a gravel access road that connects to the I-205 MultiUse Path. Union Pacific representative Meg Siffring explained the stacked vehicle wall was an uncommon measure to prevent more vehicles from entering their property. “We did a large clean up in this area, removing trash and debris. While not typical procedure, what you are seeing is a temporary measure to prevent trespassing on Union Pacific property,” said Siffring.

Scrap vehicle barricade from April 15th, 2024

On Friday evening, May 10th, PF&R received reports of cars on fire between the two freeways near Gateway Green Park. The boat and most non-metal parts on the vehicles burned or melted in the fire, leaving twisted remains that still block the access road. This debris on Union Pacific property does not affect the public multiuse path and Park access. Siffring said that Union Pacific is working on a long-term plan to restrict entry to their tracks. However, this area has struggled with encampments and unauthorized vehicles for years. People have cut fences, removed concrete barricades, or otherwise bypassed past attempts to keep this area clear. People should expect to see the burnt cars cleaned up after the railroad operator installs a permanent solution.

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Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Crime

Fire Set at PDX Peaches on NE Glisan

At 3:30 p.m. on April 24th, firefighters responded to reports of a commercial rooftop fire at the PDX Peaches adult entertainment venue. The fire at 9243 NE Glisan Street started from ignited trash that spread to the roof structure and parapet of the single-story building. A helpful neighbor notified the team inside the building, and everyone escaped uninjured. Responding Portland Fire & Rescue crews quickly extinguished the flames. However, damage from the fire and water closed part of the lobby, and restoration crews are working to repair this woman-owned business.

Image courtesy Portland Fire & Rescue

Lexi, the manager at the location, was not at the shop when the building caught fire. However, after reviewing security footage and speaking to neighboring business owners, she has a good idea of how it happend. “A couple of days ago, I noticed a bunch of trash in front of the neighboring hair salon. Yesterday, I noticed the trash was picked up and put in a trash bag set against our outer wall,” recalled Lexi. After hearing of the fire from women working at PDX Peaches and rushing to the shop, she reviewed the business’s surveillance footage. “It shows a man walking up and lighting the bag of trash on fire and casually just walking off,” said Lexi. She is disappointed that a trash bag was left on the street as kindling for a fire that nearly destroyed the business, but she is also thankful for the quick work of neighbors.

“A hero neighbor was skating by when he noticed the fire. He ran in to alert the girls working. Everyone made it out, and no one was hurt. He called 911 and also tried putting the fire out along with another neighbor, but at that point, it had already made its way into the walls and roof,” said Lexi. A restoration crew arrived hours later and began clearing the debris and securing the structure, making the lobby safe for guests. PDX Peaches is open for business again after the brief interruption. Lexi is thankful for the help they have received and hopes it will continue as the team recovers from the fire. “We are a small business, and we really appreciate the community’s support throughout this difficult time.”

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Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscribers or sponsors. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Community, View of Montavilla

Pacific Market Fire Complete Loss

Just before 2 a.m. on March 26th, emergency dispatchers sent Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crews to the Pacific Market complex at 6750 NE Broadway. Arriving firefighters reported smoke visible from the structure’s roof above the closed Thai Binh restaurant storefront occupying a third of the 20,120 square foot strip mall. Before long, the fire spread through the roof and into the adjoining Pacific Market grocery store. The fire expanded throughout the building, prompting a three-alarm response. PF&R crews extinguished the fire, protecting the surrounding homes and a neighboring storage facility. However, the building and its contents are likely a complete loss.

Image from Portland Maps

The family-owned Asian grocery opened in the late 1990s to become a place for people “to stop and shop for their traditional foods and groceries all in one place,” according to a now offline company website. Situated between NE Halsey Street and NE Broadway, the store was an early provider of culturally specific imported foods in this area. It also provided convenient grocery access for many people living around the Rose City Golf Course. Residents in the neighborhood will instead need to travel to the Fred Meyer store at 6615 NE Glisan Street for basic needs.

The building, restaurant, and grocery store shared similar ownership, leading to the possibility of rebuilding. Google Maps only lists the Pacific Market as temporarily closed. However, the level of damage indicates this location will be unusable for a significant length of time. Additionally, the owners may decide not to rebuild and instead look to sell the property for development. The building shares the block with a new self-storage facility completed in 2022, and at nearly an acre, this site could attract interest from builders. Losing a neighborhood grocery is a detriment to the community. Fortunately, PF&R reported no injuries during this incident, and firefighters managed to confine all damage to the one building. Expect to see fencing around the site and the eventual arrival of demolition crews to remove all or part of the building within the coming months.

Firefighter continuing to dowse building 12 hours after fire broke out

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscribers or sponsors. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.