Vancouver House Fire (Photo) -05/17/25

On May 17th, 2025, at 9:12 p.m.  Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 4613 E. 18th St. #23.  The first fire unit arrived within 3 minutes of dispatch and found smoke coming from a two-story townhouse.   The fire was quickly knocked down within seven minutes of the first engine arriving and was called under control within 23 minutes.  Four fire engines, two ladder trucks, one squad and two battalion chiefs responded for a total of 26 personnel working on scene.  One person was transported to Peace Health Southwest by AMR. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office.  

Vancouver Restaurant Fire (Photo) -05/12/25

At 5:34 A.M. on May 12, 2025 Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire at Abhiruchi Indian Cuisine at 233 N.E. Chkalov Dr. in Vancouver.  The first arriving fire engine arrived four minutes after dispatch and reported flames coming from the structure, including through the roof.  The fire was contained within 12 minutes of arrival of the first engine company. Five fire engines, three ladder trucks, one squad and two battalion chiefs responded to the fire for a total of 34 personnel working on scene.  Mutual aid was provided by Camas Washougal Fire Department.  The building was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported.   The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office. 

Vehicle Crashes Into Vancouver Fire Station 6 During Emergency Response (Photo) -05/07/25

Vancouver, WA— On May 6, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Vancouver Fire Station 6 was struck by a vehicle while Engine 6 was out of quarters responding to a separate emergency incident.

The Vancouver Fire Department (VFD) and Vancouver Police Department (VPD) were dispatched to the scene. Four VFD units responded with nine personnel. Upon arrival, a single-occupant vehicle with a dog inside was found. The vehicle had veered off the roadway and crashed into the apparatus bay side of Fire Station 6. The vehicle came to rest entangled in a nearby electrified fence, which displayed warning signs indicating a 7,000-volt charge. Due to the potential electrical hazard, firefighters maintained a safe perimeter and verbally assessed the driver. The fence was later determined to be de-energized.

While no injuries were reported, including the dog in the picture, the event underscores the unpredictable nature of emergency service work, even within the walls of our fire stations.

2nd Alarm Apartment Fire In Vancouver (Photo) -05/02/25

Just before 3 AM on Friday morning the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to 4503 E 5^th street for a structure fire. First arriving crews found heavy fire coming from a third story apartment and quickly requested a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene. Currently there are about 15 fire units operating on scene with approximately 33 personnel including firefighters from Clark County Fire District 6. The fire was under control in about 30 minutes. Unfortunately, one adult deceased victim was discovered during the operation. The Vancouver Fire Dept Chaplain, Pete Schrater, is working on scene to assist Red Cross in providing aid to about 20 people who appear to be displaced out of 9 apartments. No further civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire where fire crews are expected to be performing overhaul and extinguishing hot spots for several hours.

Capt Joe Hudson

VFD PIO

cityfirepios@cityofvancouver.us

vanfirepio@gmail.com

503-454-6345

Regional HazMat Team Responds To Electric Scooter Fire (Photo) -04/28/25

At 11:39 today (04/28/2025) the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to 1618 NE 107^th Ave in Vancouver, WA for the report of an electric powered scooter that was on fire next to a field.  The first arriving engine requested a HazMat Team Leader consult which resulted in the deployment of the regional hazmat team from Vancouver Fire.  The scooter appeared to be experiencing a thermal runaway in the battery compartment which resulted in a small fire and off-gassing from the cells.  Hazmat team members in chemical protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus safely move the scooter to a salt-brine filled container to both cool the thermal runaway and discharge the remaining power in the battery cells.

Vancouver Fire would like to caution everyone that the smoke produced by some battery fires can be toxic and possibly flammable. 

To reduce the chance of scooter battery fires, always use approved batteries, chargers and follow manufacturer instructions. Store scooters away from flammable materials, exits and ensure they are not left unattended while charging. If you notice any signs of battery damage, like swelling, leakage, or overheating, stop using the scooter immediately and get away from it.

Single Vehicle Rollover Injures Passenger (Photo) -04/27/25

At 11:28 on April 27^th, Vancouver Fire responded to a single vehicle rollover just east of 172^nd Ave on NE Ward Rd.  Battalion Chief 2 and Engine 4 arrived to find 1 sedan on its top with a passenger trapped in the vehicle.  The driver had been able to remove herself from the car and was uninjured.  The on scene crew worked to stabilize the car and gain access to the trapped person.  Truck 10 arrived and quickly formed a plan to carefully remove the passenger using electric extrication tools.  American Medical Response transported the patient to a local hospital in fair condition.  Investigation is being conducted by Clark County Sheriffs office.  Vancouver Fire would like to remind everyone that seatbelts save lives. 

Vancouver Fire Responds To House Fire (Photo) -04/23/25

At 6:57 PM on 4/23/2025 Vancouver Fire was dispatched to the report of a house fire at 15613 SE Evergreen Highway.  Initial crews arrived to find heavy fire coming from a house that was under construction, which made the scene more dangerous.  Crews attacked the fire from the exterior before moving interior to search for people and extinguish the fire.  The scene was deemed to be under control in just over fifty minutes.  Vancouver Fire had twelve units on scene with thirty personnel while Camas/Washougal Fire sent one engine.  No one was home and no firefighters were injured in the fire.  The Vancouver Fire Marshals office is on scene to investigate.

The Vancouver Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check for working smoke detectors twice a year and plan for evacuation in case of a house fire.