The house was a known abandoned structure that was frequented by unauthorized personnel and firefighters had previously developed a preplan to safely extinguish a fire if one started there

A fire at 608 15th St. in Vancouver was called into 9-1-1 at 6:40 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 12). Firefighters were dispatched by the Vancouver Fire Department and arrived to find a fully involved house fire. 

This house was a known abandoned structure that was frequented by unauthorized personnel and firefighters had previously developed a preplan to safely extinguish a fire if one started there. 

The difference in strategy between this particular house fire as compared to other fires is that firefighters pre planned to make large cuts around the windows of the structure to make it safer and easier to extinguish the fire. 

The house was full of debris and unauthorized belongings so it was safer to fight most of the fire from the outside first. An excavator was called to the scene through Vancouver Public Works to assist in safely knocking down the structure since it had suffered extensive damage. 

About five fire engines, two ladder trucks, two battalion chiefs and several support staff were on scene for a total of about 32 personnel. A few units were on scene for several hours ensuring that the fire was completely extinguished. No injuries were reported. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office. 

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.