The first unit on scene reported a large barn/outbuilding fully involved in flames, with fire spreading to a recreational vehicle and an automobile next to the outbuilding
Crews from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue were dispatched at 7:03 a.m. Sunday (June 2) to a report of a large outbuilding on fire at 29416 NW 51st Avenue, north of Ridgefield. The first unit on scene arrived at 7:09 a.m. and reported a large barn/outbuilding fully involved in flames, with fire spreading to a recreational vehicle and an automobile next to the outbuilding.
As fire crews were stretching hose lines to attack the fire, they were told by bystanders that there was possibly a person still inside the building. Another resident of the building arrived shortly after firefighters and made attempts to enter the burning building but had to be restrained by firefighters. The level of fire involvement would have led to certain death of anyone making entry without protective gear.
The deceased resident was later identified by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office as 44-year-old Melissa Adams, of Ridgefield,
Due to the level of fire involvement, firefighters sprayed water from the outside. The structure was too damaged by fire for firefighters to make entry. This is known as “defensive fire operations.”
Firefighters also extinguished the RV fire and the vehicle fire adjacent to the structure. In addition, firefighters released several chickens from a chicken coop next to the fire building as the fire began to impinge on the chicken coop.
At approximately 8:19 a.m., an elderly resident of the house on the property was treated for a medical emergency by firefighter/paramedics. He was then transferred to a waiting AMR ambulance for transport to the emergency room.
The fire was mostly knocked down by 8:30 a.m. and fire investigators from the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office were able to make entry to the area where the victim was thought to be located. Fire Investigators discovered one person deceased inside the building.
Due to the location of the fire, CCFR utilized three water tenders to transport water to the scene from a fire hydrant approximately one mile away.
Firefighters were on scene until about 3 p.m. to put out hot spots and ensure the fire was completely out. An excavator was called from Clark County Public Works to help pull apart the building so firefighters could reach the hidden flames.
CCFR was assisted on this fire by one unit from Fire District 6, AMR Ambulance, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Clark County Public Works. Chaplains from Clark County Chaplaincy were on scene to assist family and friends.
The fire remains under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Information provided by Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue.
Also read:
- Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit. - Opinion: ‘The Democrats’ part of the bargain’
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a New Year’s Eve encounter and a Bill Maher commentary to assess what he sees as cultural and political changes from the past year. - Free fares on New Year’s Eve is a big hit with C-TRAN riders
C-TRAN’s New Year’s Eve free-fare program provided extended late-night service and a safe transportation option for riders across Clark County just after midnight.
