The Portland apartment fire that broke out early Friday morning wasn’t just a blaze—it was a full-scale emergency that turned a quiet neighborhood into a scene of chaos. Flames tore through the East Burnside apartment building as residents leapt from windows, pets were pulled from smoke-filled rooms, and firefighters scrambled to contain the inferno before it consumed more homes.
By sunrise, two people were in the hospital, a resident was under arrest for arson, and dozens had lost their homes. What sparked this devastating fire? A Molotov cocktail, eyewitnesses say—allegedly thrown by one of the tenants. The fire not only destroyed property, but exposed larger cracks in the city’s housing and safety systems.
A Normal Morning Turns into a Nightmare
At 5:53 a.m., emergency calls started flooding in.
The fire started at a three-story apartment building on East Burnside Street near NE 104th Avenue. Within seconds, flames had engulfed the building, pouring out windows and crawling across wooden staircases. Some residents were already shouting “Fire!” while others were yanking open doors, banging on walls, trying to wake their neighbors.
People ran. People jumped. And people screamed. One man later described the moment as “like something out of a Hollywood movie.”
Within half an hour, Portland Fire & Rescue had declared a four-alarm fire. That’s not a term thrown around lightly. It meant nearly 80 firefighters, paramedics, and police officers rushed to the scene from all over the area. It was all hands on deck.
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A Race Against Time: Rescue and Response
Eight residents were pulled from the burning building. Some were trapped in upper-floor apartments. Others leapt from windows just to escape the blaze. Firefighters broke through glass, kicked in doors, and used ladders to reach people stranded on balconies and ledges.
Among those rescued were four dogs and one cat. Some families sheltered in place temporarily while fire crews fought to clear a safe escape path. The stairs had already burned. Crews had to use ladders to bridge the gaps between floors—like building makeshift fire escapes in the middle of war.
Two people were sent to the hospital in serious condition. One had suffered second- and third-degree burns, a fractured vertebra, and injuries from jumping. Another had significant burn wounds and required immediate elevated medical care.
Outside, a bloody trail marked where one resident ran barefoot over shattered glass to escape.
What Caused the Portland Apartment Fire?
Here’s where the story takes a darker turn.
Witnesses say a man who lived in the complex was seen arguing before the fire. Moments later, they say, he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail into one of the lower units. The fire exploded from there. According to residents, this man had shown signs of mental instability, often shouting and disturbing others.
Portland Fire & Rescue did not immediately confirm the cause. However, later in the day, they arrested 41-year-old Shaun Szwarz, a resident of the building.
He now faces:
- 6 counts of first-degree arson
- 6 counts of reckless endangerment
- 6 counts of first-degree criminal mischief
Whether the alleged Molotov cocktail was confirmed as the ignition source remains under investigation. But the damage was already done.
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The Human Cost: Displacement and Destruction
At least 15 people were displaced, with possibly more due to structural damage and restricted access to some units. In situations like this, where damage assessment and insurance claims become overwhelming, speaking with a public insurance adjuster can make all the difference. The Red Cross stepped in to provide shelter and support. Six of the 19 units in the complex were declared a total loss, and wooden stairwells were destroyed, cutting off vertical access.
One family—unable to escape immediately—had to stay put while smoke crept closer. Firefighters reached them just in time.
David Richards, a six-year resident of the building, said the heat was like nothing he’d ever experienced. “It was the hottest I’ve ever felt,” he said, showing minor burns on his neck and arm. His apartment survived. But the emotional impact didn’t.
Another resident, Willie Jones, wasn’t home at the time. But his dog was. Fortunately, she was rescued. “My main concern was my four-legged baby,” he said. His sons were already safe at their grandmother’s. Otherwise, the outcome could’ve been tragic.
The Neighborhood: A Brewing Storm
Several residents pointed out something many Portlanders already know: this part of town has struggled. Mental health crises, substance abuse, and homelessness are common. After the pandemic, things worsened.
Daniel Domingo, another resident, had lived in the building with his family for nearly a decade. He said incidents like these—though extreme—are not entirely surprising anymore.
“This neighborhood, really, it was already kind of rough around the edges,” he explained. “It’s just kind of everyday life here.”
This fire wasn’t just a random tragedy. It was the result of layers—social, structural, psychological—building up until something snapped.
Public Safety and Community Risk: What We Can Learn
The Portland apartment fire wasn’t just a freak accident—it was a wake-up call. Here are four actionable takeaways for both tenants and landlords:
1. Mental Health Concerns Shouldn’t Be Ignored
If a neighbor shows signs of distress, especially involving threats, fire hazards, or violence, report it. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if you’re not sure. Trust your instincts.
2. Emergency Exit Plans Save Lives
Multiple residents said they didn’t know what to do or where to go. Every apartment complex should post visible fire escape plans. If yours doesn’t? Ask the property manager today.
3. Check for Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers
It sounds basic, but it’s often overlooked. Confirm that your unit has a working smoke detector. Better yet, buy your own extinguisher for under $25. It could be the best investment you ever make. And if you don’t already have renters insurance, this is your reminder—because it’s often the only thing standing between you and a total loss.
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4. Push for Safer Infrastructure
Wooden stairs, limited exits, no sprinklers—older buildings are a recipe for disaster. Renters can’t always choose where they live, but they can speak up. Contact your city’s building inspection department or tenant rights group.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
As of now, authorities are still gathering evidence. A full forensic investigation is underway to determine the precise cause and to reconstruct the chain of events.
The city has reopened MAX Blue Line service near East 102nd Avenue, which was shut down during firefighting operations. East Burnside Street was also cleared after being closed for several hours.
Meanwhile, Shaun Szwarz remains in custody. The court will determine his future. But for many of the building’s residents, the focus is survival, recovery, and somehow starting over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Witnesses reported that a resident allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail into a unit, sparking the blaze. The official cause is still under investigation by Portland Fire & Rescue.
Shaun Szwarz, a resident of the apartment complex, was arrested and charged with six counts each of first-degree arson, reckless endangerment, and first-degree criminal mischief.
Firefighters rescued eight residents from the burning building. In addition, four dogs and one cat were also safely rescued.
Two people were hospitalized with serious injuries, including second- and third-degree burns, a fractured vertebra, and ankle injuries. Several others suffered minor burns and trauma.
At least 15 people were displaced due to the fire. Some sources suggest the number could be higher due to unsafe access to additional units.
Nearly 80 personnel, including Portland Fire & Rescue and Gresham firefighters, responded to the four-alarm fire. Crews arrived within minutes of the first emergency call.
Yes, TriMet’s MAX Blue Line service was temporarily disrupted near East 102nd Avenue to allow firefighters to stretch hose lines across the tracks. Service later resumed after the fire was controlled.
Final Thoughts: Fire Isn’t the Only Threat
When we talk about apartment safety, we often think of leaky faucets, mold, or noisy neighbors. But fire—especially intentional fire—is a visceral reminder that safety is never guaranteed.
This Portland apartment fire was fast. Furious. And unforgiving. But it was also filled with moments of courage—residents waking each other up, firefighters risking it all, and neighbors helping neighbors climb over broken glass.
As we watch the story unfold, let’s remember this:
Apartment safety isn’t just about locks and lights. It’s about people. Awareness. Advocacy. And sometimes, survival.
