A three-alarm fire that burned 20 acres of wildland on Government Island last week was caused by a child with fireworks, according to Portland Fire & Rescue.
Vancouver firefighters were among 80 responders dispatched to the fire in the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 19. With no access from Interstate 205 to the 1,700-acre island, firefighters and equipment were shuttled by boats. The blaze burned for nearly five hours. No one was injured, but the right lane of I-205 north was closed for fire officials to use as a vantage point.
Portland Fire & Rescue is still investigating and is not sure what type of firework ignited the blaze.
There are no residences on the island.