PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Latest on a grass fire in Portland, Oregon, Monday that spread to businesses and homes (all times local):
3:20 p.m.
Authorities say a grass fire Monday that spread to buildings and homes in Portland, Oregon, was intentionally set.
Portland Fire and Rescue Lt. Jason Anderson said Tuesday that investigators want to speak to anyone who may have seen how the fire started in an abandoned driving range.
Officials declined to say what led them to believe the fire was arson.
The blaze damaged several buildings including townhouses and destroyed dozens of cars. No one was injured.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to an area about the size of 2 ½ city blocks.
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11:01 a.m.
A wind-driven grass fire that roared to life during rush hour in a residential neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, damaged five buildings, destroyed 50 cars in a parking lot and prompted evacuations as residents across the city gawked at the huge plume of black smoke.
Portland Fire and Rescue said Tuesday the fire was out and the air quality had improved enough that residents could return to their homes. No one was hurt in the Monday evening blaze.
Firefighters were able to contain it to an area about the size of 2 ½ city blocks.
The blaze in a densely populated area of a big city is unusual and comes as a late-summer heat wave in the region was expected to push temperatures close to 100 degrees (38 Celsius) on Tuesday.
Fire authorities issued a burn ban effective immediately in the metropolitan area because of high temperatures, low rainfall and dry conditions.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Lumberyard, an indoor BMX bike park and camp, was damaged in the blaze and its owners said Tuesday there was still no power.
“We have immense gratitude for Portland’s fire, police, and emergency services; without their skill and courage, the toll would certainly have been worse,” they posted on Facebook.
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