A crew member aboard the vessel reported visible smoke and flames coming from a pile of shredded metal inside the ship’s cargo hold

At 9:14 p.m. on Tuesday (Feb. 17), the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to the Port of Vancouver for a reported fire in the cargo hold of a break bulk carrier. This vessel is a 656-foot long ship that carries dry bulk materials. 

A crew member aboard the vessel reported visible smoke and flames coming from a pile of shredded metal inside the ship’s cargo hold.

Due to the complexity and hazards associated with shipboard fires, the incident was upgraded to include the Marine Fire Safety Association (MFSA), which activated specialized Shipboard Firefighting Technicians from across the region. These technicians are part of a coordinated regional response team of 14 participating fire departments trained to manage shipboard emergencies from Astoria to Vancouver along the Columbia River.

Initial arriving Vancouver Fire crews observed smoke coming from an open midship cargo hold, where unloading operations were in progress. The ship’s crew had already initiated firefighting efforts using the vessel’s onboard suppression system and had deployed two hose lines to cool adjacent cargo and prevent fire extension. Firefighters worked alongside the ship’s crew to access the affected area, locate the source of the fire, and bring the incident under control.

Additional responding agencies included Clark Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, Clark County Fire District 6, and Portland Fire & Rescue, while other regional resources remained on standby in their respective service areas. In total, 17 fire units responded to this incident.

The fire was stabilized and brought under control in under four hours. All members of the ship and working crew were accounted for and there were no reported injuries.

Vancouver Fire Department extends its appreciation to the Marine Fire Safety Association, United States Coast Guard, Port of Vancouver, Port of Portland, and the vessel’s crew for their professionalism, coordination, and assistance in resolving this incident safely.

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.