Two fires near old Baker City Safeway being investigated for arson
By Logan Bagett on Friday, August 8th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY — Following up on a couple of fire incidents near the old Safeway in Baker City recently, Baker City Fire & Rescue Station 24’s Chief Michael S. Carlson sent our newsroom some further details on two separate fires in that location. Both are being investigated for arson.
According to the chief, the first fire occurred on August 6th at approximately 6:45 a.m. The fire department arrived and could see visible flames on a landscaping island in the front side of the building that housed the old Safeway. Fuels for the fire included Arbovitae shrubs and what is thought to be an oak tree, according to Chief Carlson. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, and the only reported damage was to the burnt tree and vegetation on the island. An Oregon State Patrol Arson Investigator arrived on the scene and started an investigation into the cause.
The second fire was reported around 2:00 a.m. on August 7th, this time on the back side of the old Safeway building. The fire was burning in more Arbovitae growing along an island approximately 15 feet from the building itself.
Chief Carlson wrote, “Upon our arrival, the size up was a 20X80 feet vegetation fire. Flame lengths had reached the bottom [of] a cable line and had burned through it (knocking out cable service). Additionally, a utility pole was on fire and had knocked out power to 3 residences.”
Baker Fire called for mutual aid, and Baker Rural and Keating Fire Departments responded to the scene as well. Firefighters got the incident under control within about 20 minutes according to the chief, and it was completely overhauled within an hour.
“An investigator was requested and arrived early this morning,” said Chief Carlson. He noted, “The fire had done minimal damage to an empty grease container and a rubber seal to a rear docking door. No extension to the store itself. A person of interest was identified from the previous fire and the Baker City Police Department is wanting to speak with this person. Damage is estimated at around $2,000 currently. The scene was turned over to the Oregon State Patrol Arson Investigator.”
At this time, it is unknown if the two fires are connected. The chief mentioned that unhoused persons are known to frequent the area.
