An incident that started at Cherry Park Elementary School has caused Portland officials to ban fireworks in all our outer East Portland neighborhoods. And, see the new ways to report illegal fireworks in outer East Portland this year, too …
Firefighters arrived to find this row of arbor vitae fully involved in fire – set off, perhaps intentionally, by an illegal firework.
By David F. Ashton
Banning all kinds of fireworks across the City of Portland, even the “safe and sane” kind like sparklers, seems rather restrictive. Many of our outer East Portland neighbors use and enjoy them safely.
But, it’s those who misuse fireworks who spoil it for everyone. Case in point:
July 1 ~ 1:08 p.m.
Hazelwood house scorched by errant fireworks
Fortunately, it didn’t take long for crews to put out the fire here. We’re looking north form the playground of Cherry Park Elementary School.
In the east playground, on the north side of Cherry Park Elementary School in the Hazelwood neighborhood, fire lit up a row of arbor vitae on Tuesday, July 8.
As the fire quickly spread to the entire row of plants and to the barkdust on the playground, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crews were on their way to the fire at 1:08 p.m. that afternoon.
Originally dispatched to the school, on SE 104th Avenue, arriving firefighters realized the fire was actually along the fence line separating the playground from a house on a “flag lot” off SE 106th Avenue, just north of the school yard.
Firefighters stand down, after making sure the house affected by the fire was safe.
“Coincidentally, the fire broke out while PF&R was hosting a press conference discussing the personal firework ban in the City of Portland,” began the Bureau’s Public Information Officer, Rick Graves, as he told about the fire. “Crews received information that there was a loud, audible ‘boom’ in the area, prior to the discovery of the fire.
Power and communication lines above the burned arbor vitae appear singed, but still operatable.
“An additional exposure concern to crew members was that the row of arbor vitae was directly under overhead powerlines, with the flames impinging on them – causing another challenge for crews during the fire suppression efforts.
“Had the fire severed the line, a live electrical wire would have dropped into the middle of the fire scene, posing increased dangers to the responding and working firefighters on-scene,” continued Graves.
House saved from destruction
The fire did indeed spread to the residence, causing firefighters to cut a hole in the roof to make certain fire hadn’t extended into the attic. “The fire was put out quickly, with little damage to the home and the occupants of the residence, who will not be displaced,” Graves said. “But there was substantial damage to the playground’s swing set, which the school will need to evaluate.”
After the fire was extinguished, crews were approached by witnesses who told them that kids in the area were lighting fireworks, which led to members of the PF&R Fire Investigations Unit (FIU) arriving to examine the scene.
Here’s the casing of the “personal firework” thought to be responsible for this intentionally set fire.
“Their forensic evaluation indicated that a ‘personal firework’ was found in the charred soil underneath the remains of the arbor vitae row,” Graves informed. “This act of fireworks use is an arrestable offense; our FIU is working with the residents and the school, and asking anyone in the area to provide video footage that can help identify the suspect(s).”
If you have video, photos, or any further information about this fire – and haven’t yet spoken with investigators – call 503-823-FIRE; and tell them this is regarding Case No. 25-72849.
Suspect may face serious charges
Graves warned that the person or persons who lit up this firework may be arrested and charged with Possession and Use of Illegal Fireworks (Class B Misdemeanor), two counts of Arson in the Second Degree (Class C Felony), and two counts of Arson in the First Degree (Class A Felony).
“This incident as a reminder that fireworks are dangerous, and can cause injury or property damage. That’s the primary reason the ‘Portland Personal Firework Ban’ was put in place back in 2022 – due to an incident that led to a triple fire fatality. “Individuals will be held liable if using a personal firework that has been determined to have caused damage or an injury, with fines and even jail time possible,” asserted Graves.
New illegal fireworks reporting system is online
Be warned, new system has just been set up for Portland residents to report the use of illegal fireworks in their neighborhoods, using the Internet CLICK HERE to file a report online. Or, during peak fireworks periods call their temporary phone line, 503-823-BOOM (2666).
All images courtesy of Portland Fire & Rescue
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
click here to subscribe
