Firefighters were able to gain control of the fire from the exterior by utilizing elevated streams from the ladder truck

On Thursday (Jan. 25) at about 8:45 p.m., the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Chapel for a report of the crematorium on fire. 

The first fire engine arrived to find a single-story building with fire showing from the roof. Crews were able to quickly get water on the fire however, when they went to enter the building, they noticed the roof was starting to collapse. 

The incident commander switched to a defensive strategy and told all firefighters to stay out of the building. Firefighters were able to gain control of the fire from the exterior by utilizing elevated streams from the ladder truck.

Four fire engines, two ladder trucks, a squad and two battalion chiefs totaling 24 firefighters responded to the scene. There were no injuries, and the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause. 

Information provided by Vancouver Fire Department.