Gresham police investigate string of fires within 2-block area

GRESHAM, Ore. – Police are investigating a string of fires reported in Gresham early Thursday morning.

Gresham police said the Gresham Fire Department responded to three fires – all within a two-block radius in the area of NE 2nd Street and NE Kelly Avenue.

Police said the fires were set close to buildings. At least two of the fires were set in dumpsters.

One was in a recycle bin behind a chiropractor’s office, another was a dumpster in the middle of the street.

The third fire was set near the Wels Fargo on NE Roberts Avenue and NE 2nd Street. Investigators said this fire was so hot, the fire was coming out the bottom of the dumpster.

A lieutenant with Gresham fire said all three fires are suspicious.

They will look at surveillance video from two of the area businesses to help identify a suspect.

A witness told police he or she saw someone running away from the fire. Police aren’t sure if that person is connected to the fires.