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.
Also read:
- Mother’s Day: Remembering my mom and her many endearing qualities
Ken Vance reflects on Donna Vance, a mother who apologized for paying with food stamps. - Let’s Go Washington prepares to gather signatures for income tax repeal effort
Let’s Go Washington needs 308,911 signatures by July 2 to put the income tax before voters in November. - Vancouver Police arrest additional suspect in child molestation investigation
William J. Sneiderwine, 61, faces conspiracy and evidence tampering charges in the Wilmington child molestation case. - Letter: ‘Once you decide your political opponents are sick, you don’t have to listen to anything they say’
Camas resident Tony Teso argues Ken Vance’s column reframes political disagreement as mental illness to avoid engaging on substance. - WDFW offers tips after resident reports a cougar sighting in Vancouver city park
Mitch Ratigan was 20–30 feet from a cougar at Ellsworth Springs Park before grabbing his dog and running. - Opinion: Greg Johnson’s $2 million contract delivered a huge mess
Johnson’s $1.9M pay coincided with IBR costs tripling and construction timeline doubling to 20 years. - POLL: What issue should be the top priority for Southwest Washington’s next member of Congress?
Sen. John Braun criticized WA’s new income tax while outlining his congressional priorities in Vancouver.
