Local News
Ballot box is on fire in Vancouver, WA near Portland
By the time officers arrived, security guards had already extinguished the flames.
Police in Oregon and Washington are investigating incidents involving ballot boxes that were intentionally set on fire.
On Monday morning, Portland Police Bureau officers responded to a reported fire at a ballot drop box on the 1000 block of Southeast Morrison Street.
By the time officers arrived, security guards had already extinguished the flames.
Authorities indicated that the fire was started with an incendiary device placed inside the ballot box. Portland’s Explosive Disposal Unit was called to the scene to assess and safely clear the device.
Meanwhile, police in Vancouver, Washington, are investigating a similar incident that took place on Monday morning at the C-TRAN Park & Ride at Fisher’s Landing Transit Center.
According to witnesses, a device placed outside the ballot box ignited the fire, causing hundreds of ballots to burn.
Officials noted that the last ballot collection from this box was at 11 a.m. on Saturday, suggesting the fire had affected a significant amount of uncollected ballots.
These incidents follow a similar case in Arizona last week, where a fire broke out just before 1:30 a.m. on October 24 outside a post office near 7th Avenue and Indian School Road.
Phoenix Fire crews arrived on the scene and quickly extinguished the flames, though the fire damaged twenty electoral ballots along with other pieces of mail.
Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade reported that the Postal Inspector took possession of the damaged ballots and mail.
The Phoenix Fire Investigations Task Force, which includes Phoenix Police detectives and fire investigators, is working closely with U.S. Postal Inspectors to investigate the cause and intent behind the incident.
A tornado has been confirmed on the ground in Carmel, Indiana, a northern suburb of Indianapolis, causing immediate concern for residents in this densely populated area.
The tornado was spotted just south of Westfield, near Main Street and U.S. 31, moving through the region as emergency sirens blared.
The tornado’s presence in Carmel and surrounding areas has prompted urgent warnings from meteorologists and emergency officials.
Given its proximity to residential and commercial districts, residents are strongly urged to take immediate shelter.
The National Weather Service and local emergency agencies are closely monitoring the storm as it continues to track across central Indiana.
Emergency sirens have been activated throughout Carmel and nearby communities to alert residents of the impending danger.
Authorities are advising individuals to stay indoors, move to the lowest level of their homes, and avoid windows until the threat has passed.
Officials continue to assess the situation, and additional updates will be provided as meteorologists track the tornado’s movement and potential impacts on the area.
Residents should remain weather-aware and follow official warnings as the storm system progresses.