On 01/30/2024 at 2:10 AM, Astoria Emergency Communications Center received a report of a structure fire at 66 W. Bond Street. Prompting a response by Astoria Fire Department, Astoria Police Department, Knappa Fire Department, Lewis and Clark Fire Department, Warrenton Fire Department, Olney Walluski Fire Department and Seaside Fire Department. On arrival the residence was engulfed in flames.  Two residents staying in the basement apartment were able to evacuate the building on their own.  Police Officers ended up forcing entry into the neighboring residence and were able to evacuate a single occupant there.  That home sustained fire damage as well.

The 911 caller who was passing through the area observed a male subject in the yard of the residence as it was in flames.  That individual was determined not to be related to either residence and was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital for an unrelated medical issue.

The Clatsop County Fire Investigation Team, and Detectives from Astoria Police Department, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Cannon Beach Police Department, Seaside Police Department and the Oregon State Police Arson Unit conducted a fire cause investigation at the scene.

Following the investigation, 52-year-old Derrick Brett Gill of Pacific County Washington was arrested on 2 counts of Arson in the First Degree, 3 Counts of Reckless Endangering and 2 Counts of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree.