Fire was discovered burning in lumber that was stacked against the rear of the house

Three residents were displaced by a house fire early Thursday morning in Vancouver.

At 2:08 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 1), the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a structure fire at 12207 NE 83rd St. in Vancouver. Occupants had discovered the fire and called 9-1-1. Four engines and one ladder truck were dispatched to the address. 

The first engine arrived approximately six and a half minutes later to find a single-story house filled with smoke. Fire was discovered burning in lumber that was stacked against the rear of the house. The flames were extending up into the attic through the vents in the eves. A hose line was deployed to the back of the house to extinguish the fire. All occupants were reported outside. 

As additional fire units arrived, they were assigned to go inside to fight the fire. The interior crew reported locating flames inside the house along with thick smoke banking down almost to the floor. A truck company was sent to the roof to cut a ventilation hole to remove the smoke from inside the structure. 

The residence was heavily laden with belongings which made firefighting efforts more difficult. The fire was reported under control 30 minutes after the initial dispatch. No injuries were reported from the residents or 18 firefighters on scene. Three occupants were displaced. 

Three crews stayed on scene until approximately 5:30 a.m. to ensure all hotspots were extinguished and to save belongings. The Clark County Fire Marshal’s office was on scene investigating the cause and dollar loss.

The Vancouver Fire Department wants to remind citizens not to store combustible materials next to their homes.

Information provided by Vancouver Fire Department.