Thursday morning, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a possible vegetation fire on the border of the Overlook and Arbor Lodge Neighborhoods along the bluff area that overlooks Swan Island and the Willamette River. This bluff area is filled with natural vegetation of tall dry grasses and large well-established trees.
Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 24 arrived at multiple grass and vegetation fires and was able to observe a suspect coming from the immediate area of one of the fires. As they watched the suspect flee and contacted PPB officers to search for the fire setter. The engine officer requested for PPB to respond to the scene in hopes of apprehending the suspect and provided the dispatch center with a good description of the suspect.
Engine 24 was quick in cooling and extinguishing the flames present in each unique location and prevented what could have been a large fire that ran the entire distance of the bluff as this area is currently filled with much fuel composed of these tall dry grasses and other vegetation. Along with the available fuels, the warmer weather and breezy conditions compound the fire dangers. The quick actions were certain to have prevented what would have been a larger fire that would have required many more resources.
PPB Officers responded to the area in question and using the description provided by the fire crews, was able to detain the suspect. The PF&R Fire Investigation Unit responded and took over the investigation. The suspect, 41-year-old Joel Eipwon, was arrested on three counts of Arson in the First Degree.
This bluff area has been designated protected property with a high fire danger and injury potential due to the well-known unhoused population, the permanent homes that sit at the top of the ridge, and the high use recreational trails throughout. This property designation allows the FIU to assign a charge of Arson 1 in each of these fires. The image attached clearly shows the area with all three fire locations noted. You can see the industrual complex of Swan Island downslope, the many high use recreational trails, the varied vegetation (from a time when the area was still "green"), and the residential neighborhood at the top of the slope. Had PF&R crews been unable to stop this fire quickly, the impact of the area could have been quite significant.
Any witnesses to these fires please contact Det. Meredith Hopper Meredith.hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov
Source: Portland Fire & Rescue