Portland Fire asks the public for help investigating a suspected arson

Portland Fire & Rescue investigators think an early morning blaze in an east Portland apartment was intentionally set. The agency is asking Portlanders to report any suspicious behavior that could help them pinpoint who may have caused it.

Firefighters responded to reports of smoke coming from a recently vacated apartment near Southeast 118th Avenue and Southeast Holgate Boulevard just before 6 a.m. Sunday, they said in a news release.

Crews were able to put out the fire quickly and nobody was hurt. Portland police received some reports of suspicious activity on the property and detained a person early on Sunday, but that person has since been released, fire officials said in a news release.

Investigators are hoping to hear from members of the public who were driving on Southeast Holgate Boulevard between 5:30 and 6 a.m. who may have seen something suspicious. Anyone with information to provide can get in touch with Portland Police Lt. Jason Andersen at jason.andersen@police.portlandoregon.gov or contact Portland Fire & Rescue at 503-823-FIRE.