Portland, OR – Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a fire that broke out at the home of Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos late last month. Investigators say the incident was not a deliberate act of violence but rather the result of a man’s attempt to keep warm during cold weather.
Early Morning Fire in Mill Park Neighborhood
According to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), officers and firefighters responded to a blaze around 2:40 a.m. on October 26 at Avalos’ residence in the Mill Park neighborhood. When Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crews arrived, they found several parked vehicles and a carport fully engulfed in flames. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The fire was immediately deemed suspicious, prompting a detailed investigation by the Portland Fire Investigations Unit, a joint team made up of PF&R investigators and a PPB detective. Early findings indicated the fire began in a small storage shed adjacent to the home. Officials noted that no accelerants or incendiary devices were discovered at the scene.
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Arrest of the Suspect
Investigators later released surveillance footage showing a person of interest walking near the property shortly before the fire began. On Tuesday, officers located and arrested 51-year-old Vashon M. Locust, the man believed to be in the video.
During questioning, Locust reportedly admitted to entering the shed near Avalos’ home seeking warmth. He told police he had tried to use an electrical outlet to plug in a portable heater, but when the outlet failed to work, he started a small fire to stay warm. The fire, however, spread quickly and ignited nearby materials, resulting in significant damage to the vehicles and carport.
Charges and Detention
Locust has been booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of reckless burning and two counts of second-degree criminal mischief. Police have stated that there is no indication the councilor or her family were specifically targeted.
Official Statement from Authorities
In a joint statement, PPB Chief Bob Day and PF&R Chief Lauren Johnson expressed sympathy for Avalos and her neighbors, acknowledging the emotional toll of the incident.
“We recognize that this incident has been deeply distressing for Councilor Avalos and her neighbors, and we want to express our sincere empathy for everything they have endured,” the chiefs said.
They further emphasized the importance of transparency and public reassurance throughout the investigation.
“From the outset, our shared priority was to ensure safety, determine the cause and origin of the fire, and provide transparency to the community,” they said. “We are grateful to the Portland Fire Investigations Unit that worked diligently and collaboratively to uncover the facts. Their thorough investigation ultimately determined that this was not a targeted act of violence. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we worked to reach these findings.”
Community Impact and Response
The incident initially raised concern among residents and city officials, given Avalos’ role on the Portland City Council. However, confirmation that the fire was accidental has eased fears of politically motivated violence. Community members have since commended the swift response of fire and police personnel who ensured the safety of those nearby and worked efficiently to determine the cause.
City Councilor Avalos has not yet issued a detailed public statement, though officials close to her expressed gratitude for the investigation’s transparency and resolution.
Broader Context
Homelessness and exposure-related incidents have been a growing issue in Portland, particularly as temperatures drop. Authorities say this case underscores the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals seeking warmth and shelter, as well as the importance of expanding access to safe resources.
As the investigation concludes, both PPB and PF&R reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to community safety, clear communication, and support for those affected by incidents of this nature.
