
The first fire department units arrived minutes after the initial dispatch to find smoke coming from the 10th floor
At 10:25 a.m. Friday (Feb. 23), the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a high-rise fire in the Smith Tower apartments at 515 Washington St. in downtown Vancouver.
The fire was upgraded to a second alarm. Vancouver Fire responded with a total of 19 units consisting of 12 fire engines, three trucks and five chief officers. A total force of over 50 personnel responded to this emergency.
The first fire department units arrived minutes after the initial dispatch to find smoke coming from the 10th floor. Firefighters ascended the building to find a smoke-filled hallway and one room with contents on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the room of origin. Windows were opened and the building ventilated.
One resident was displaced, no residents or firefighters were injured during the incident. Vancouver Fire remained on scene assisting residents and the Fire Marshal’s Office is performing an investigation. Some of the fire suppression units that responded were from Vancouver Fire partners at Clark County Fire District 6 and Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue.
Information provided by Vancouver Fire Department.
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