Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos is dealing with the aftermath of a fire at her home early this morning, which is currently being investigated as a possible case of arson. In a statement, Avalos described waking up to find her car, carport, and home engulfed in flames. “I’m thankful for the swift actions of Portland firefighters who were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further,” she said. “This incident is under active investigation, including the possibility of arson. I will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Emergency crews were called to Avalos’ residence in Southeast Portland around 2:40 a.m. Upon arrival, Portland Police reported that multiple vehicles were ablaze, alongside the carport. “East Precinct officers assisted with the initial investigation and identified the vehicle involved as belonging to Councilor Avalos,” stated a release from the Portland Police.
According to Rick Graves, a spokesperson for Portland Fire, “Portland Fire responded to the situation and successfully extinguished the flames affecting the vehicles and surrounding areas. The Fire Investigation Unit has been requested to examine the scene thoroughly to determine the cause.”
In a show of solidarity, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and fellow City Councilors released a statement, expressing their support for Avalos: “As public servants, we each stepped forward to serve Portland, and today, we stand united in support of our colleague. We are grateful to Portland Fire & Rescue and the Portland Police Bureau for their rapid response and ongoing investigation regarding this fire incident involving Councilor Avalos. We are committed to working with her to ensure she has the necessary resources and security. This investigation is still active, and we will provide updates as they come.”
The Portland Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit will explore all potential causes of the fire, including accidental ignition, mechanical failure, improper disposal of smoking materials, and arson. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident. This is not the first time a Portland politician has faced scrutiny over an arson investigation; in January 2024, a vehicle was set ablaze outside City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez’s home in Eastmoreland, with no reported injuries.
