At approximately 7 pm on July 18, Camas-Washougal Fire Department (CWFD) received a report of a female patient who had fallen in the "potholes" area below Lacamas Lake in Camas.  Responding personnel found an approximately 37 year old female patient who was deceased after suffering traumatic injuries.  The Clark County Technical Rescue team was requested for assistance in body recovery.  Recovery efforts were completely by approximately 10 pm.  CWFD was assisted by personnel from the Vancouver Fire Department, East County Fire and Rescue, and Clark County Fire District 6.  CWFD would like to remind citizens that the potholes area is not safe for recreation at any time of the year.  Swift water currents, cold water temperatures, and steep terrain, pose a constant threat. 

Further information concerning patient identity and cause of death will be under the authority of the Clark County Medical Examiner. 

Fire department officials from Camas-Washougal Fire Department and East County Fire and Rescue are issuing a warning to all residents of East Clark County.  The National Weather Service has issued a "red flag warning" for areas in the Western Columbia River Gorge.  A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of the above conditions can contribute to extreme fire behavior.  This warning is currently in effect from 1 pm to 8 pm on July 4.  Please check news sources for possible extensions of this warning. 

CWFD and ECFR fire officials are warning citizens of East Clark County to be extremely cautious when discharging fireworks in such conditions.  Aerial devices, in particular, can behave unpredictably in the forecast high winds of up to 35 mph.  A small vegetation fire can quickly grow out of control before fire department crews can arrive.  Please have a garden hose or other extinguishing agent available and be certain to discharge fireworks only according to manufacturer's recommendations.  Fire department staff will be on patrol throughout the evening to ensure safety.  Citations may be issued for unsafe or illegal discharge of fireworks.