Two inmates set fire to items within their unit
The inmates continued to act belligerent toward the staff and at approximately 12:45 p.m., two inmates set fire to items within their unit. The fire filled the unit with smoke and corrections deputies were able to put out the flames and safely clear the unit. The fire resulted in minor property damage and no inmates or corrections deputies were injured.
Corrections deputies requested assistance from enforcement deputies with the investigation. Corrections deputies identified several suspects and collected evidence. The city of Vancouver Fire Marshal conducted the cause and origin investigation, and enforcement deputies interviewed several persons.
At the conclusion of the initial investigation, Michael C. Dempsey and David N. Trachuk were charged with one count each of Arson in the First Degree. Dempsey and Trachuk are in the Clark County Jail on unrelated charges. Their arraignment on the new charges will be determined by the Clark County prosecuting attorney.
This is an open investigation and charges for other inmates are potentially forthcoming.
There will be no further comment on the investigation.
Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- Clark County Council modifies language on its resolution on ICE activities in the region
Councilors voted 3-2 to move forward with a modified resolution addressing reported ICE activities, with debate over wording and jurisdiction. - Battle Ground Public School levy falling short in initial count
Early results show Battle Ground’s levy trailing while Hockinson’s measure holds a lead in the Feb. 10 special election. - Puyallup teen wrestler says school ignored her claim of sex assault by male opponent
Pierce County authorities are investigating a sexual assault allegation involving a Puyallup high school wrestling match. - Opinion: Washington parental rights battle goes national
Vicki Murray argues that parental rights and girls’ sports initiatives headed for the November 2026 ballot could reshape education policy in Washington and beyond. - Ridgefield & Steigerwald Lake Refuges open sign-ups for new volunteers
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex is seeking new volunteers for education programs, visitor services, and habitat support in 2026. - Washougal School District EPO Levy & Capital Levy passing in preliminary results
Preliminary election results show Washougal’s EPO and Capital levies passing with about 58 percent approval. - Opinion: Olympia’s war on a free press
Nancy Churchill argues that Senate Bill 5400 threatens press freedom by subsidizing select media outlets while excluding independent journalists.
