PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A family was forced to jump from a second-story balcony to escape a fire that officials say a man purposely started early Wednesday.
Fire crews responded to a two-alarm fire at the Alder Royal Apartments on Southeast Alder Street around 2:30 a.m. When they arrived, heavy smoke and flames were visible from a unit on the second floor.
Portland Fire and Rescue was able to rescue multiple people from the building — but they say one person was forced to help their two kids, cat and dog jump from the second story in order to escape the heat.
PFR says a fellow resident, identified as 40-year-old Gary Hickey, lit the initial fire in his apartment and left without alerting anyone. However, witnesses followed him to a nearby convenience store and pointed him out to officers. Hickey was then taken into custody.
Just three days prior to the fire, Hickey was arrested for criminal trespass in the second degree in Multnomah County.
The investigation is ongoing.