7:06 AM

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to three fires in the early morning hours that Fire investigators have deemed suspicious and are continuing to investigate at this time.

The first fire was reported at 2:45 am at SE 30th Place & SE Ankeny in a dumpster and was quickly extinguished.  As firefighters from SE Portland's Station 9 were leaving that fire, another fire was reported at 3:05 am at 3421 SE Salmon in a dumpster, which they responded to and also extinguished. 

The third fire, and most serious, was reported at 3:21 am at 2625 NE Couch.  This fire started on the outside of a commercial building.  The building was formerly used as a bank and is now vacant. 

The fire appears to have started under a building overhang previously used for drive-thru banking.  The quick actions of Portland firefighters brought this fire under control and prevented the fire from extending inside the building. 

Damage from this fire is estimated at $20,000. Updates will be sent out as additional information becomes available.

Photos courtesy of Dick Harris, Portland Fire.