(4-16-25) Last night at approximately 10:59 pm, the Portland Fire Department was dispatched to a working structure fire at the intersection of Water St. and Harrison St. in Portland. PFD responded with 3 apparatus and 18 firefighters.

On arrival it was noted to be a 2 story residential home with a working fire on the 1st and 2nd floors. PFD initiated an interior attack and had the fire under control at 11:31 pm. While on scene, several bystanders stated the owner of the property had been threatening arson to the home.

With this information, PFD requested the assistance of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Fire Investigation Division. The Jay County Sheriff’s Office and Portland Police Department, at 1:22 am the suspect was located walking down the Highway a few miles away.

The fire was marked out at 2:15 am and an investigation of the property began. While conducting our on scene investigation, PFD was notified PPD received a confession of the subject they had detailed.

The investigation was completed at 4:50 am and all trucks and personnel were back in service at 5:19am. One firefighter received minor injuries during the incident. He was treated and released back into service on scene.