Portland fire investigators have released a photo of a person of interest after a Saturday night arson tore through a nearly finished adolescent recovery center in Northeast Portland, turning a long-awaited opening into a crime scene. The blaze hit the future site of 4D Recovery's Adolescent & Family Recovery Campus on the 100 block of Northeast 100th Avenue and grew to a third alarm before crews finally got it under control. Officials say the Portland Fire Investigations Unit has determined the fire was deliberately set and is asking the public to help identify the individual.
Investigators Release Photo, Ask For Tips
In a press release from the City of Portland, the Portland Fire Investigations Unit, which is staffed by personnel from the Portland Police Bureau and Portland Fire & Rescue, confirmed that the Saturday night blaze was an act of arson and shared an image of a person of interest. Investigators say the person is believed to frequent the area from Northeast Glisan to East Burnside and Northeast 102nd Avenue to I-205, and they are asking anyone with information to email [email protected].
Nearly Complete Recovery Campus Destroyed
The building was only weeks away from opening and was slated to offer residential and outpatient services for adolescents and families, according to 4D Recovery. Nearly 100 firefighters responded after the incident was upgraded to a third alarm, and crews were able to keep most of the flames contained to a single-story section of the L-shaped structure, as reported by KPTV. 4D Recovery Executive Director Tony Vezina told KPTV the organization is "heartbroken" but remains committed to rebuilding.
How To Submit Tips
Investigators say there is currently no evidence that the facility was specifically targeted and emphasize that the case remains an active investigation, according to the City of Portland. Anyone who recognizes the person in the released photo or who saw suspicious activity near Northeast 100th Avenue on Saturday night is asked to email [email protected] or contact the Portland Police Bureau's public information office.
Neighbors and supporters have already started offering help, and 4D Recovery says fundraising will continue as the group assesses the damage and insurance. The Fire Investigations Unit says detectives are reviewing surveillance and witness video as part of the probe and again urged anyone with information to send tips to the arson email listed above.
