Elderly Portland Woman Who Jumped From Burning Building Is Now Recovering From Serious Injuries

PORTLAND, Ore. — An 82-year-old woman jumped from the third floor of a burning apartment complex in Portland on Friday, sustaining serious injuries. Police believe the fire was deliberately set, and are investigating a case of arson.

Firefighters Saved Eight People, Four Dogs, and a Cat

Eight people, four dogs, and a cat were rescued from a three-story apartment complex in the 10400 block of East Burnside in the Hazelwood neighborhood at 6 a.m., prompting a four-alarm response from Portland Fire & Rescue.

After the rescue operation, two people were admitted to the hospital with serious injuries. The elderly woman is believed to have suffered third-degree burns, a fractured vertebra, and an injured ankle.

Resident Facing Six Counts of Criminal Mischief

Law enforcement arrested Shaun Szwarz, a resident of the apartment building. He is facing charges on six counts of first-degree criminal mischief.

Friday’s fire is one of a recent spate of fires police believe to be acts of arson.

According to the owner of the apartment complex, six units in the building were badly damaged in the blaze, and 12 residents have been placed in temporary shelter by the Red Cross.