Initial information from dispatch indicated the call came from a neighbor who reported that two homes appeared to be on fire

At 7:52 p.m. Saturday (March 14), the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to the 16500 block of SE 1st Street in the Cascade Park Estates neighborhood of East Vancouver for a reported house fire.

Initial information from dispatch indicated the call came from a neighbor who reported that two homes appeared to be on fire.

The first-arriving fire engine reached the scene within five minutes and confirmed active fire showing from two homes and a nearby carport. Fire crews initially deployed hose lines and made an interior attack in an effort to contain the fire. However, firefighters encountered extreme heat and rapidly deteriorating conditions inside the structure, forcing crews to evacuate and transition to an exterior defensive attack due to the heavy volume of fire.

Because of the intensity and spread of the fire, a second alarm was requested, bringing additional resources and mutual aid crews, including units from Camas Fire Department and other nearby agencies.

Firefighters worked under very challenging fire conditions for well over an hour before ultimately gaining control of the fire affecting both homes.

No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.