On October 4, 2025, at approximately 4:55 p.m., the Tillamook County Emergency Communications District (Tillamook 911) received a report of a fire at Tillamook Junior High School.
Officers from the Tillamook Police Department and firefighters from the Tillamook Fire District responded to the scene and located a large metal dumpster, positioned about ten feet from a school building, fully engulfed in flames.
The quick response and effective actions of the Tillamook Fire District prevented the fire from spreading to the adjacent school building. The estimated cost to replace the damaged dumpster is $1,526.40.
School Resource Officer (SRO) Olson worked closely with Tillamook Junior High School staff to review security footage from multiple camera angles. Through this investigation, sufficient evidence was obtained to positively identify a 15-year-old suspect. SRO Olson subsequently located and detained the suspect on one count of Arson in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.
The Tillamook Police Department would like to highlight the important role that School Resource Officers play in our community. This incident serves as an excellent example of how SROs collaborate with the school district to help ensure the safety of our schools, students, and staff.
Superintendent Jennifer Guarcello said, “We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership between Tillamook School District and the Tillamook Police Department. The quick action of our first responders and the diligent work of our School Resource Officer reflect the strong collaboration that helps keep our students, staff, and schools safe. This incident is a reminder of the value of community partnerships in supporting both safety and education in Tillamook.”
SRO Olson reminds the community that juvenile fire setting is a serious concern that can result in property damage, injury, or even loss of life. Curiosity about fire is natural, but unsupervised experimentation can quickly become dangerous.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to:
• Talk openly with children about the dangers of fire and the consequences of arson.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach and stored in secure locations.
• Monitor online content, as many cases involve youths imitating what they see on social media.
• Seek help early if a child shows repeated curiosity about fire, attempts to light small fires, or talks about fire in a concerning way.
The Tillamook Fire District and Tillamook Police Department can provide resources or referrals for families who suspect their child may be experimenting with fire. Early education and intervention can prevent tragedies and guide youth toward positive choices.
“Our partnership with the Tillamook School District continues to be a cornerstone of our community’s safety,” said Chief Nick Troxel. “I am incredibly proud of the collaboration between our officers, firefighters, and school staff. The quick teamwork demonstrated in this case not only prevented further damage but also underscores the trust and communication that make our community stronger.”
There will be no further updates or information as this case has been referred to the Tillamook County Juvenile Department and the Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office.