09/27/2017:

The investigation into the natural gas leak and fire at Comfort Suites continues. Yesterday, members of the Clatsop County Fire Investigation Team and Oregon State Police Arson Investigators worked at the scene trying to identify the cause of the gas leak and fire.  At this time the ignition source that triggered the fire remains unknown.  Investigators were able to determine that the gas leak was not caused by mechanical failure.  The leak was initiated near the natural gas meter.  Deputy Police Chief Eric Halverson said, “Right now, the concern is that a person intentionally tampered with the natural gas line causing the leak, which led to the fire.  We have called in the Clatsop County Major Crimes team to assist in the investigation, and we are asking for the public’s help.  If anyone was in the area of the Astoria Riverwalk between Safeway and the East Mooring Basin and saw any person in the area, we would like you to call us.”

Anyone who has information regarding the fire is asked to contacted Detective Ken Hansen of the Astoria Police Department at 503-325-4411 or by email at khansen@astoria.or.us

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On 09/25/2017 at about 9:24 p.m. Astoria Fire Department and an Officer from Astoria Police Department were dispatched to the Comfort Suites 3420 Lief Erikson Dr. Astoria for a report of a natural gas leak behind the building. While the fire department was on evacuating the building the gas leak ignited from an unknown source.  An intense fire broke out igniting the hotel triggering a working fire response.  Astoria fire department was able to quickly address the fire after evacuation of the hotel. The fire had minimal penetration into the buildings mechanical room where a sprinkler activated.  A large water supply pipe burst inside the hotel flooding the first floor.  Displaced hotel patrons were relocated to other area hotels.

Multiple agencies responded as mutual aid, including Olney Wulluski Fire Department, Lewis and Clark Fire Department, Warrenton Fire Department, Knappa Fire Department, Medix Ambulance and Clatsop County Sheriff’s Department.

The cause of the original gas leak and ignition source are under investigation. Members from the Clatsop County Fire Investigation Team and Oregon State Police Arson investigators will be meeting this morning to continue the investigation.

Anyone who has information regarding the fire is asked to contacted Detective Ken Hansen of the Astoria Police Department at 503-325-4411 or by email at khansen@astoria.or.us