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 51^st 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.