Free Geek temporarily closes after fire damages donation center

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Portland nonprofit Free Geek was forced to temporarily close after a fire damaged their donation center early Friday morning.

According to a statement on social media from the organization, the fire broke out at around 2 a.m. outside of their receiving and recycling area in Southeast Portland.

"We often have folks that break into the bins looking for things that they could use or reuse, assuming that maybe there might be technology in these bins or scrap metal or anything of value. And so we get that, we try to keep them as secure as possible," said Juan Muro, Free Geek's Executive Director. "But we also see often is folks that are just looking for a place to kind of stay warm. And so are we surprised? No, but it's always shocking to show up and kind of see,"

While no injuries were reported, the organization said they are closing until air quality improves and the damaged donation center has been repaired. Additionally, twelve of their team members will be out of work.

For nearly 25 years, the nonprofit has been accepting unused or out of date technology including computers, monitors, recycling the material. This diverts roughly 2 million pounds of e-waste from a landfill every year.

They also provide education about technology and provide refurbished computers and free software.

"Free Geek relies on community technology donations and monetary contributions to keep our reuse and recycling operations thriving," the social media statement added. "We are looking to raise $25,000 to support repairs, pay staff affected by our closure, and replace equipment."

The nonprofit said they will update the community when they intend to reopen.

For now, however, they say they will be closed until further notice and are accepting donations for building repairs and employee salaries.