Portland Fire Bureau 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 Fire Bureau 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, the agency said in a news release.

Crews were able to put out the fire quickly and nobody was hurt. Portland police officers 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. and who may have seen something suspicious. Anyone with information to provide can get in touch with Lt. Jason Andersen at jason.andersen@police.portlandoregon.gov or contact the Fire Bureau at 503-823-FIRE.