Blaze levels century-old Lents house down to ashes

Portland Fire officials say they’re still investigating this outer East Portland conflagration; neighbors think squatters caused the fire

Flames ripped through this wood frame house in the Lents neighborhood that firefighters couldn’t stop it from burning.

By David F. Ashton

A rip-roaring fire burned a Lents neighborhood house, located at 6335 SE 85th Avenue, down to the ground early on Friday morning, January 10.

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crews who were sent to the fire at 3:39 a.m. reported back to dispatchers seeing flames from blocks away as they pulled up to the residence, which was built in 1907.

On their radios, firefighters at the scene reported “Heavy fire and possible building collapse. Taking defensive operation at first, and then perhaps transitioning into moving offensive and taking [water hose] lines into the interior.”

Firefighters pour water onto the fire, and the surround area, soon bringing the blaze under control.

But, before crews moved inside the blazing inferno, the structure started to collapse. “We’re moving to keeping fire from the exposures [nearby houses] as the focus,” the PF&R Battalion Chief radioed; and requested an additional Engine Company to help keep the fire from spreading.

By the time firefighters considered the fire to be “under control”, about 20 minutes later, the building had been reduced to smoldering rubble.

A PF&R Fire Investigator was called in to examine the charred remains and possibly determine the fire’s cause.

The next day, social media was abuzz with comments about squatters frequenting what was considered to be an unoccupied house, and suggested they accidently set it ablaze.

According to Multnomah County records, the property is owned by DK Homes LLC described by the Better Business Bureau as a firm that “offers construction and remodeling services.”

There’s nothing left of this house but rubble and ashes, after being burnt to the ground.

In January 2023, the company filed a permit to deconstruct the residence, remove the driveway, take out a shed, and cap the sewer. Perhaps they’ll be filing a change to the permit.

If you have information about this fire, PF&R Fire Investigation Unit’s tip line, 503-823- FIRE (3473) and reference Case No. 25-3732.

Images courtesy of Portland Fire & Rescue

© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™

 

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