A loud explosion in Gresham on Saturday night, initially mistaken for gunfire, was actually caused by a firework that had been set off inside a portable toilet. The incident occurred around 10:05 p.m. at the intersection of Southwest Sandlewood Lane and 38th Street, Gresham police reported to KGW. Calls indicating the blast came from several blocks away, on the other side of Southeast 190th Drive.
The Gresham Police Department has clarified that the calls to 911 subsequently went on to describe a portable toilet that had "blown up". By the time responders arrived at the scene, the toilet "flamed up," according to KPTV. An investigation into the incident revealed that an M-80 style firework had been ignited within the toilet, setting off the fire and leading nearby residents to incorrectly believe that shots had been fired in their vicinity.
Members of the Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) officer on duty and firefighters were quickly dispatched to the location. On arriving, they discovered the ablaze portable toilet. A photo taken at the scene shows a firefighter, poised to extinguish the fire, with a roll of toilet paper also caught in the flames, as documented by KATU.
The use of fireworks in such an unsafe and unintended manner raises the concern about public safety in local neighborhoods. Officials have condemned the action which could easily have led to more serious damage or injury. The authorities have not released any information regarding suspects or arrests, but they continue to investigate the incident fully. The public is encouraged to come forward with any information that might aid in the investigation and to remain vigilant to avoid similar dangerous activities in the future.
