Vancouver Fire Responds To Residential Structure Fire - 11/03/26

At approximately 8:15 this evening, the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 2500 block of East 18th Street in Vancouver.

Four engines, two trucks, one squad, and two battalion chiefs responded, bringing approximately 25 VFD personnel to the scene. Crews arrived to find a working structure fire and immediately deployed a hose line while conducting a search of the structure to ensure no one was inside. The fire was swiftly brought under control.

No injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians.

The Vancouver Fire Department reminds residents to stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep combustible items away from stovetops and other heat-producing appliances, and turn off appliances when finished using them. Working smoke alarms provide critical early warning of a fire. Test alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your household knows how to escape safely.

No photographs are available from this incident.

Vancouver Firefighters Rescue Man From Columbia River (Photo) - 11/03/26

Today at 2:24 p.m., Vancouver Fire Department’s Truck 1, Engine 1, and battalion 1 were dispatched to a reported drowning in the Columbia River near the Vancouver waterfront.

Truck 1 arrived at Waterfront Way, west of Esther Street, where Vancouver Police Department officers were already on scene. Firefighters observed a man floating downstream approximately 100 feet from shore. He was conscious, struggling to swim and calling for help.

Two Truck 1 rescue swimmers donned protective equipment and entered the river. They reached the man when he was approximately 20 feet from shore and brought him to the shoreline.

Portland Fire & Rescue crews aboard Rescue Boat 17 transported the patient to a nearby dock, where he was safely transferred to an ambulance. AMR paramedics, accompanied by Vancouver firefighters, transported him to a nearby hospital in stable condition.

Vancouver Fire Department’s rescue swimmer program equips and trains firefighters to enter the water and reach people in distress. This incident highlights the importance of that capability and coordination among emergency response agencies.

Vancouver Fire Department thanks CRESA dispatchers for providing accurate, up-to-date information throughout the response, Vancouver Police Department, Portland Fire & Rescue and AMR for their assistance in bringing this patient to safety.

Vancouver Fire Department And Public Safety Partners Conduct Emergency Response Training At Vancouver Mall - 10/27/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver Fire Department
October 27, 2026

Vancouver Fire Department and Public Safety Partners Conduct Emergency Response Training at Vancouver Mall

VANCOUVER, WA — The Vancouver Fire Department (VFD), in partnership with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and American Medical Response (AMR), is conducting a coordinated emergency response training exercise today, Tuesday, October 27, from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Vancouver Mall.

The exercise is taking place before the mall opens to the public. Residents, commuters, and businesses in the surrounding area may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles, firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel.

The Vancouver Fire Department wants to reassure the community that this is a planned training exercise, not an actual emergency.

Training exercises like this are essential to maintaining a high level of emergency preparedness and ensuring the safety of our community. They provide first responders and public safety partners with valuable opportunities to strengthen communication, improve coordination, and practice working together in realistic emergency scenarios.

By training together, participating agencies can evaluate response capabilities, identify opportunities for improvement, and build stronger partnerships. These efforts help ensure that when real emergencies occur, our first responders are prepared to act quickly, efficiently, and collaboratively to protect lives and serve our community.

The Vancouver Fire Department would like to thank Vancouver Mall, our partnering agencies, and the public for their understanding, cooperation, and continued support of these important training opportunities.

Exercises like today's are an investment in the safety of our community and reflect our ongoing commitment to preparedness, professionalism, and public service.