PORTLAND, IND. (WOWO) A Portland, Indiana man has been arrested on a felony arson charge following a fire that damaged a home and garage on the city’s west side Friday afternoon, according to fire officials and jail records.

The Lead Off

• A 29-year-old Portland man was arrested on a Level 4 felony arson charge after a structure fire
• Fire damaged a garage and threatened an attached home before being brought under control
• The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident

Fire breaks out on West High Street

Firefighters were called to the 700 block of West High Street in Portland at approximately 12:55 p.m. on Friday after reports of a garage fire behind a residence.

When crews arrived, officials said the garage was fully engulfed and flames were beginning to extend toward the attached home.

The Portland Fire Department responded with two trucks and approximately 19 firefighters working at the scene.

A ladder truck was also used to help suppress flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures, including a fence on the property.

Fire brought under control after several hours

Officials say firefighters had the blaze under control by about 3 p.m. and continued extinguishing hotspots until approximately 5:10 p.m.

The Southwest Mercer Fire District from Fort Recovery also assisted in the response.

No injuries were reported in the incident according to the Mercer County Outlook.

Arrest made at the scene

Authorities arrested 29-year-old Diego M. Gonzalez, who reportedly lived at the residence where the fire occurred.

Gonzalez was taken into custody on a charge of arson, classified as a Level 4 felony under Indiana law.

He is being held without bond at the Jay County Jail.

Investigation continues

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Officials have not released additional details regarding the origin of the blaze or possible motives.

The Takeaway

• A Portland man was arrested on a Level 4 felony arson charge after a garage fire threatened a nearby home on West High Street.
• Firefighters from multiple agencies spent several hours bringing the blaze under control, preventing further structural damage.
• The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and the events leading to the suspect’s arrest.