Three firefighters received electric shocks from the ground and surrounding structures being charged with high voltage power

At 9:09 p.m. on Friday (Dec. 27), the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to 616 Ash St. in Vancouver for the report of a large powerline that had dropped to the ground resulting in several spot fires including an RV fire.  

Vancouver Fire responded with 11 units including two from Clark County Fire District 6.  Firefighters noticed a large powerline down, several small ground fires and one victim who was unable to move and was calling for help.  

During efforts to reach and treat the victim, three firefighters received electric shocks from the ground and surrounding structures being charged with high voltage power.  The victim was moved to the ambulance and received emergency medical treatment from fire department and American Medical Response paramedics before being transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in critical condition.  

The power was shut off to the entire neighborhood by the power company allowing full firefighting efforts to extinguish the RV fire and a second fire that was found in the main house.

The three firefighters were transported by AMR to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center for evaluation and possible treatment.  Two of the firefighters returned to duty while the third was kept at the hospital overnight for observation.  The Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.