Two-Alarm Fire Damages Elephants Delicatessen in Portland

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A two-alarm fire broke out early Tuesday morning at Elephants Delicatessen, a popular restaurant in northwest Portland, causing extensive damage to the building's roof and interior. Firefighters responded around 1 a.m. and found the fire had already spread through the roof, forcing them to briefly evacuate due to the intensity of the blaze before bringing in additional crews to battle the flames.

Why it matters

Elephants Delicatessen has been a fixture in Portland's food scene for decades, known for its high-quality deli items and baked goods. The fire has disrupted operations at the restaurant, which will likely be closed for an extended period for repairs, impacting both the business and the surrounding community that relies on it.

The details

The fire caused significant damage to the front of the restaurant and its roof, with part of the roof collapsing inside the building. The areas that suffered the most damage were the bakery and deli sections. The manager said he received a call about the fire at 1:15 a.m. and arrived to find the building engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, though officials believe it may have started as an exterior fire that then spread inside.

• The fire broke out around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

What’s next

Portland Fire & Rescue is investigating the cause of the fire, and Elephants Delicatessen will likely be closed for an extended period for repairs and rebuilding.