PORTLAND, Ore. – A “suspicious in nature” fire erupted in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025, engulfing vehicles and a carport at the East Portland home of City Councilor Candace Avalos. While the blaze caused significant property damage, Avalos and her cat escaped unharmed, and authorities are actively investigating the incident.
Overnight Blaze in Mill Park Neighborhood
The fire began around 2:40 a.m. in the Mill Park neighborhood, quickly spreading to consume several parked and unoccupied vehicles and a carport adjacent to Avalos’ residence. The intensity of the flames also caused damage to the side of the house. Councilor Avalos reported being awakened by the fire and was able to evacuate safely with her cat, Valentino. Portland Fire and Rescue crews responded swiftly and extinguished the blaze, preventing further spread to neighboring properties.
Investigators Probe ‘Suspicious’ Origin
The Portland Police Bureau and Portland Fire & Rescue have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the fire. While initially termed “suspicious in nature,” preliminary findings from investigators indicate that the fire did not originate from Avalos’ vehicle or other property belonging to her. Instead, evidence suggests the blaze began in a storage shed adjacent to the residence. As of Monday afternoon, investigators have not found evidence of an accelerant or incendiary device, and importantly, have stated there is no evidence to suggest the fire was specifically targeting Councilor Avalos. Despite these findings, the exact cause remains undetermined, and the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify the person responsible.
Echoes of Past Incidents: A Pattern of Concern?
This incident has drawn immediate comparisons to a similar suspicious fire that occurred in January 2024, involving former Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez. In that case, a car belonging to Gonzalez’s family member was set on fire outside his home, an act that police also investigated as arson and was deemed suspicious. While an anonymous group later claimed responsibility for the Gonzalez fire, authorities have yet to identify a suspect in that case. These events raise concerns about the safety of public officials in Portland, particularly given Avalos’ history of receiving online vitriol.
Community and Official Response
The fire has galvanized community support for Councilor Avalos. A GoFundMe campaign, established by her friends, has rapidly raised over $13,000 to assist with expenses such as insurance deductibles, a rental car, temporary housing, and replacement of lost personal belongings. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and the entire City Council issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with Avalos. “As public servants, we each stepped forward to serve Portland, and today, we stand united in support of our colleague,” the statement read. They also thanked emergency responders and pledged to work closely with Avalos to provide her with the necessary resources and security.
Councilor Avalos: A Profile
Candace Avalos, who represents District 1 in East Portland, is a first-term city councilor elected in 2024. She was a key architect of Portland’s new, expanded city government structure, which transitioned from a commission-based system to a mayor-council model. Avalos, who is of Black and Latina heritage, previously served as the Executive Director of Verde, a local nonprofit focused on environmental justice and green infrastructure in frontline communities. Her policy work has often centered on issues of equity, housing, and climate resilience, and she has advocated for the needs of East Portland residents, who she feels have been historically underserved.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Solidarity
As the investigation into the Mill Park fire continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Portland Fire & Rescue Tip Line at 503-823-3473 or via email to arsontips@police.portlandoregon.gov, referencing PPB case number 25-293927. The incident underscores the challenges and potential dangers faced by public servants in Oregon’s largest city, while also highlighting the strong bonds of support within the Portland community.
