Candace Avalos’ home fire in Portland ruled not to be arson, as first suyspected

Police in Portland, Oregon, said Monday that no arson attack took place during the weekend fire at a city council member’s home that torched her cars and part of her home.

The Portland Police Bureau said preliminary evidence suggests the blaze originated in a shed near the property of Council member Candace Avalos.

No accelerant or incendiary devices were found in the shed, authorities said, and they ruled out that the fire was targeted at the local politician.

Neighboring homes were also damaged in the fire that investigators are still working to find out what caused it.

“We are deeply grateful to the first responders and investigators who have been working tirelessly around the clock on this investigation,” PPB Chief Bob Day and Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Lauren Johnson said in a joint statement.

“Thanks to their dedication and professionalism, Councilor Avalos and her neighbors were physically unharmed. Their safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to thoroughly investigate the cause of this fire,” the statement said.

Officials launched the investigation after firefighters battled the blaze early Sunday at the home of Ms. Avalos, a Democrat.

Fire crews arrived around 2:40 a.m. Sunday and found Ms. Avalos’ two cars engulfed in flames. The car port where the vehicles were parked caught fire as well.

Authorities previously said the blaze was “considered suspicious in nature,” but no one had been arrested or named as a person of interest.

Ms. Avalos said the dead-of-night fire startled her awake.

“Late last night, I woke up to my car, car port, and home engulfed in flames. I’m grateful for the quick response from Portland firefighters who prevented the fire from spreading even further,” the council member said in a statement.

“I was able to get out safely with my cat Valentino,” she said. “I’m being supported by my wonderful friends, neighbors, and loved ones as I navigate what comes next.”

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and the Portland City Council released a joint statement following the fire.

“As public servants, we each stepped forward to serve Portland, and today, we stand united in support of our colleague,” the city leaders said. “We thank Portland Fire & Rescue and the Portland Police Bureau for their quick response and ongoing investigation into a fire incident involving Councilor Avalos.

“We are working closely with Councilor Avalos to provide her with the resources and security she needs. This remains an active investigation and we will provide updates when we are able,” the statement read.

Ms. Avalos is a newcomer to Portland’s expanded city council, which grew from five to 12 members last fall as the progressive-dominated city underwent a voter-approved political restructuring.