A dumpster and brush fire at Bi-Mart Wednesday night is being investigated as arson, a Forest Grove Police Department spokesperson said.
"Detectives responded and will be leading the investigation," said Sergeant Andrew Colasurdo. "It is unknown at this time if this fire is connected to previous fires in the area," he added.
During Wednesday's fire, which was dispatched at 8:27 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, a dumpster and nearby trailer sustained some scorching damage and landscaping was destroyed.
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It's the second fire at Bi-Mart in almost exactly the same spot; a Dec. 26 fire caused heavy damage to the contents of a trailer parked in the same area.
In the month of January 2026, the Forest Grove Police Department serviced 1,805 calls total, with an average of 58 calls per day. This and more in the stats for the first month of the year.
In a mid-year update to the Forest Grove School Board, Superintendent Suzanne West said the district faced layoffs and that federal immigration enforcement is believed to be driving a spike in student withdrawals from the district.
Amy Tracewell, director of Pacific University's Master of Nonprofit Leadership program, has been appointed to the Oregon Heritage Commission by Gov. Tina Kotek.
In the month of January 2026, the Forest Grove Police Department serviced 1,805 calls total, with an average of 58 calls per day. This and more in the stats for the first month of the year.
Browns Camp Off-Highway Vehicle Campground in Tillamook State Forest is switching from first-come, first-served to reservation-only when it reopens April 1. Advance bookings open March 2.
Chas Hundley
Chas Hundley
