The vacant house was in severely deteriorated condition, including holes in the floors, making it unsafe for firefighters to enter

VANCOUVER — At approximately 3:45 p.m. Monday (Aug. 10), Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to a fire at 22217 NE 28th Street after several callers reported flames coming from a detached garage or shop.

Firefighters arrived to find the outbuilding fully engulfed in flames. The fire had also begun spreading to nearby brush, and an abandoned house stood approximately 20 feet away. Crews quickly brought the fire under control and prevented it from spreading to the house.

The vacant house was in severely deteriorated condition, including holes in the floors, making it unsafe for firefighters to enter. Crews searched the property from safe areas and confirmed that no one was inside the house or outbuilding.

One nearby resident was evaluated at the scene for possible smoke inhalation. The person did not require ambulance transportation. No other injuries were reported.

Preliminary information indicates the fire began after people staying on or frequenting the property burned trash in the lot. The flames then spread to the outbuilding. The Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the incident and to determine the official cause.

Firefighters remained at the property to extinguish remaining hot spots and ensure the fire did not rekindle. The power company also responded and disconnected electricity to the affected outbuilding.

The Vancouver Fire Department wants to remind the public that outdoor burning can be extremely dangerous and can quickly lead to uncontrolled fires, especially during dry conditions. Residents are urged to properly dispose of waste and debris and to report any unsafe burning or abandoned structures that may pose a fire risk.

Residents are also encouraged to check current burn restrictions and air quality conditions before any outdoor burning activity. Burn bans and restrictions may be in effect depending on weather and fire danger levels. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the following agencies:

• Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA): Responsible for air quality regulations, residential burning rules, and daily burn status updates. View the real-time status map at the SWCAA Interactive Burn Map or call 360-574-3058
• Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office: Issues and enforces local emergency and seasonal fire safety burn bans. Call 564-397-2186 or check updates through Clark County Community Development

Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office: Issues and enforces local emergency and seasonal fire safety burn bans. Call 564-397-2186 or check updates through Clark County Community Development

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.