Citizen Fishermen, Vancouver Fire Crews Rescue Person From Columbia River During Marine Program Founder's Final Shift (Photo) - 06/27/26

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Citizen Fishermen, Vancouver Fire Crews Rescue Person from Columbia River During Fire Boat Program Founder's Final Shift

VANCOUVER, Wash. — At approximately 10:30 a.m. today, the Vancouver Fire Department responded to a report of a person in the Columbia River after a witness called 911.

Multiple Vancouver Fire Department resources were dispatched to the scene, including resources from the Portland Fire Bureau and MCSO. Coincidentally, Fire Boat 1 was already on patrol as Engineer Paramedic Casey Holmes, one of the founding members of Vancouver Fire's boat program, was out on the boat for one final ride on his final shift before retiring after nearly 26 years of service with the Vancouver Fire Department.

After the incident was dispatched, Fire Boat 1 headed toward the reported location. Also aboard were several Vancouver firefighters from Engine 6 who had joined Holmes for a farewell patrol. Among them was a rescue swimmer, Engineer Bryan Kenney, who was prepared for an in-water rescue if needed.

As Fire Boat 1 arrived in the search area, several citizens aboard a nearby fishing boat located the person in the water. Without hesitation, they placed themselves at considerable risk to bring the individual safely aboard their vessel. The Vancouver Fire Department would like to recognize these courageous fishermen for their quick thinking and selfless actions which played a critical role in today's successful rescue.

Fire Boat 1 maneuvered alongside the fishing boat, where firefighters utilized one of the vessel's signature features—a bow-loading rescue ramp designed specifically to improve the safety and efficiency of water rescues—to transfer the patient onto the fire boat.

Holmes then safely piloted Fire Boat 1 back to shore, where patient care was transferred to VFD Truck 1 and AMR personnel. The patient was transported to a local hospital in satisfactory condition.

Today's rescue serves as an important reminder that while summer temperatures have arrived, the Columbia River remains dangerously cold. Vancouver Fire has responded to multiple water rescues this week alone and encourages everyone recreating on local waterways to wear a properly fitted life jacket, remain aware of cold-water conditions, and be prepared before entering the water.

While every successful rescue is meaningful, today's incident carries special significance for the Vancouver Fire Department.

For nearly 26 years, Engineer Paramedic Casey Holmes has served the citizens of Vancouver with professionalism, compassion, and dedication. Following his service in the United States Navy, Holmes joined the Vancouver Fire Department, where he combined his passion for helping others with his love of the water. For more than 20 years, he has been a cornerstone of the department's fire boat program.

As the Fire Boat Lead Pilot and the longest-tenured member of the fire boat team, Holmes has trained generations of fire boat pilots and deckhands while helping shape one of the region's premier marine rescue programs. He played an integral role in the research, design, procurement, and commissioning of Vancouver Fire Boat 1, helping establish the vision for the department's future on the water. Today, he continues to oversee the maintenance of both the fire boat and its boathouse while serving as a trusted evaluator for regional boat pilot testing and a shipboard firefighting instructor.

Earlier this year, Holmes was honored with the Vancouver Fire Department's **Meritorious Service Award**, recognizing his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the fire boat program and to the department.

Colleagues know Holmes as a compassionate paramedic, a respected engineer, an exceptional apparatus operator, and a master boat pilot whose influence can be seen throughout the department and across the region.

It is perhaps fitting that on his final day with the Vancouver Fire Department, Holmes responded to one last emergency aboard the very vessel he helped design and bring into service. His final response aboard Fire Boat 1 concluded with a successful rescue, safely bringing one more person home.

The Vancouver Fire Department extends its sincere gratitude to the citizen fishermen whose courageous actions were instrumental in today's rescue. The department also thanks the Portland Fire Bureau, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, and AMR for their assistance and coordinated response.

Finally, the Vancouver Fire Department congratulates Engineer Paramedic Casey Holmes on an extraordinary career of service and wishes him a happy, healthy, and well-earned retirement.

Capt Joe Hudson

Vancouver Fire Department PIO

cityfirepios@cityofvancouver.us

360-907-5576

360-869-3914

Vancouver Fire Department Responds To Difficult-to-Access Timber Fire Along Columbia River (Photo) - 06/23/26

Vancouver Fire Department Responds to Difficult-to-Access Timber Fire Along Columbia River

VANCOUVER, Wash. — June 22, 2026 — At 9:26:30 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026, the Vancouver Fire Department responded to reports of a timber fire located on the end of a peninsula south of Marine Park near 4501 SE Columbia Way.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a substantial pile of lumber on fire. Due to the remote location and limited access to the peninsula, suppression efforts proved challenging as the fire began spreading into nearby trees and vegetation.

Approximately 16 firefighters were deployed to the incident, including personnel from both land-based fire companies and marine response units.

A key component of the firefighting operation was the deployment of Vancouver Fire Boat 1. Thanks to the vessel's unique hull design and propulsion system, firefighters were able to effectively position the boat and direct water streams onto the fire from the Columbia River, providing critical support to crews working from land.

Despite the difficult terrain and access limitations, coordinated efforts between marine and land-based resources successfully contained the fire.

Summer Fire Safety Reminder

As temperatures continue to rise throughout the region, the Vancouver Fire Department reminds residents and visitors to exercise caution while enjoying local beaches, parks, and recreational areas. Dry vegetation, driftwood, and other natural fuels can ignite quickly during hot summer conditions.

To help prevent wildland and vegetation fires:

• Properly extinguish all smoking materials and dispose of them in designated receptacles.
• Never leave campfires, cooking fires, or recreational fires unattended.
• Observe all local fire restrictions and burn bans.
• Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass or vegetation.
• Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911.

Community awareness and responsible outdoor recreation play an important role in protecting our parks, waterways, and natural resources.

Media Contact

Vancouver Fire Department
Public Information Officer

Captain Raymond Egan

360-869-3914

raymond.egan@cityofvancouver.us
Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver Fire Extinguishes Residential House Fire - 06/21/26

Vancouver, Wash. — Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to reports of a house fire at 8817 NE 100th Street at approximately 11:19 a.m. on June 21, 2026.

A total of 26 Vancouver firefighters and four from Clark County Fire District 6 responded to the scene. Upon arrival, crews located a fire at the rear of the home and quickly extinguished it.

No injuries were reported; however, one resident was displaced. The American Red Cross responded to assist the resident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshal's Office.

Vancouver Fire Department Conducts River Rescue On Columbia River (Photo) - 06/20/26

VANCOUVER, Wash. — June 20, 2026 — At approximately 3:07 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a person floating in the Columbia River near the railroad bridge west of Interstate 5 and the Vancouver Waterfront.

Vancouver Fire Boat 1 was dispatched along with several land-based Vancouver Fire units. Rescue Boat 80 and Fire Boat 17 also responded to assist. During the incident, the United States Coast Guard was consulted to support response operations.

Fire crews positioned on shore were able to locate the individual in the river and provide real-time information to responding marine units. Vancouver Fire Boat 1 arrived first and located an adult female who was unresponsive and drifting in dangerous currents near docks and moored river barges.

Due to the challenging conditions, two Vancouver Fire rescue swimmers were deployed from Fire Boat 1. The rescue swimmers entered the water, reached the patient, and successfully brought her back to the vessel. Once aboard, firefighters and paramedics immediately initiated advanced life support care.

The patient was transported to the nearest available dock on the Oregon side of the river, where an ambulance was standing by to continue medical care and transport.

The Vancouver Fire Department is one of the few fire agencies in the region with trained rescue swimmers capable of being deployed from either land-based operations or marine response vessels. These specialized personnel provide a critical capability for water rescues in the Columbia River and surrounding waterways.

The Vancouver Fire Department reminds all residents and visitors to exercise caution when recreating on or near the river. Always wear appropriate personal flotation devices, be aware of changing water conditions and currents, and use proper safety equipment when boating, swimming, or participating in other water activities.

***The attached images are NOT from this call and are stock images of Vancouver Fire Reasue Boat 1.

Media Contact:

Vancouver Fire Department
Public Information Officer

Captain Raymond Egan

Cell: 360-869-3914

Single-Vehicle Rollover Crash Results In Injury And Natural Gas Leak (Photo) - 06/10/26

Single-Vehicle Rollover Crash Results in Injury and Natural Gas Leak

Vancouver, WA — June 10, 2026

At approximately 2:20 a.m. this morning, the Vancouver Fire Department responded to a reported single-vehicle rollover collision near the 18900 block of SE 20th Street in Vancouver, WA.

Upon arrival, responders found a single vehicle that had rolled over and come to rest on its side. The rear portion of the vehicle was suspended above the ground by a tree, creating a complex and potentially hazardous scene. A single occupant appeared to have been ejected during the rollover. The patient was conscious and alert when emergency personnel arrived.

Patient care was provided by American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance personnel with assistance from Vancouver Fire Department paramedics. The patient was evaluated and treated on scene before being transported for further medical care.

The collision also resulted in a small natural gas leak. Vancouver Fire Department personnel quickly identified and controlled the leak, mitigating the immediate hazard to the surrounding area. Northwest Natural Gas was requested to respond and complete permanent repairs to the damaged gas infrastructure.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Vancouver Police Department.

Driving Safety Reminder

The Vancouver Fire Department reminds all motorists to practice safe driving habits at all times. Speed, distraction, impairment, fatigue, and failure to wear seat belts significantly increase the risk of serious injury or death in motor vehicle collisions. Drivers are encouraged to remain attentive, obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and always wear their seat belts to help prevent crashes and reduce the severity of injuries when collisions occur.

Media Contact

Vancouver Fire Department
Public Information Officer
Captain Raymond Egan