PORTLAND, Maine — Six fires that broke out in the early morning hours Tuesday in Portland’s East Deering neighborhood are being investigated as suspicious by Portland police and fire officials.
At 1:50 a.m. Tuesday, Portland firefighters were called to 970 Baxter Blvd. for trash that had been set on fire, according to a news release from Portland Assistant Police Chief Vernon Mallach. Less than a half-hour later, a pile of discarded Christmas trees awaiting disposal was reported ablaze in Payson Park.
Four additional fires were discovered just before 3:30 a.m. in dumpsters at 2 Presumpscot St., 500 Washington Ave., and 9 Veranda St., along with trash set on fire outside a home at 15 Randall St.
All the fires were quickly extinguished by Portland firefighters, and no injuries or damage to structures were reported.
Police ask residents to report any suspicious behavior by calling 911. They also warn people to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and remove trash from porches, decks and from the sides of buildings.
Anyone with information about the fires can call the Portland Police Department at 874-8533.