PORTLAND, Ore. - A Portland State University student was arrested early Monday in connection with an arson at a university housing facility, authorities said.

According to Portland Fire & Rescue, firefighters were dispatched to St. Helens Court at 1131 S.W. Montgomery St. about 4:20 a.m. and arrived to find that a resident had already extinguished the fire. However, the building was filled with smoke and fire alarms were activated.

Fire investigators found several bundles of burned newspaper and phone books in a stairwell between the first and second floors, materials that had originally been in the lobby. Based on witness information, authorities said, investigators arrested student Paul Everett Rowley, 31, and charged him with first-degree arson - a Measure 11 crime that carries a minimum sentence of 90 months.

Officials did not say why they believe the fire was set or whether the fire caused any damage.

The stairway where the fire ignited was one of two residents normally would have used to escape a fire in the building, officials said.