Clark County Council Seeks Volunteers For Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board -07/28/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking community members with expertise in or experience with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to serve on the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board. 

Seven positions must be filled. One position is for a vacant unexpired term expiring Dec. 31, 2027. The remaining positions are for three-year terms that begin Jan. 1, 2026, and end Dec. 31, 2028. 

The ten-member advisory board makes recommendations to the Clark County Council relating to developmental disabilities services and assists in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive plan. The board provides community leadership on the improvement of efficiency and effectiveness of community developmental disabilities programs.

Members appointed to the board include people knowledgeable about developmental disabilities or interested in services for people with developmental disabilities in the community. Individuals with disabilities, family members, members of the business community or others who are interested are encouraged to apply.

The Clark County Developmental Disability Advisory Board values diversity and has adopted equity as a priority. People identifying as people of color, LGBTQ2+ as well as other historically under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. People with intellectual/developmental disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

The advisory board meets at 5:15 pm on the first Wednesday of every month. Currently, these meetings are held in an in-person/virtual hybrid format. Learn more about the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/developmental-disabilities-advisory-board.

To apply, please send a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, Clark County Council, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000, or email to Michelle.Pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

The application deadline is 5 pm Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE -07/25/25

The following information is in reference to two deaths investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. These investigations are related to a July 23, 2025 incident that occurred in multiple Vancouver homes.

Decedent 1:

This individual died on 07/23/2025 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Vance, Cynthia J   Age: 77 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Shotgun wound of head

Manner of death:  Homicide

How the injury occurred: Shot by other

Place of injury: Decedent’s residence

Decedent 2:

This individual died on 07/23/2025 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: McGarrah, Triston Michael   Age: 29 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Shotgun wound of neck and head

Manner of death:  Suicide

How the injury occurred: Shot self

Place of injury: Decedent’s residence

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 07/25/2025

Call For Nominations: Commission On Aging’s 6th Annual Silver Citizen Award -07/25/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County recognizes that older adults are valuable contributors to the vitality of this community. To encourage and support older adults for their contributions to their communities, the Clark County Commission on Aging established a program to recognize older adults by means of an annual award presented at a Commission on Aging event.

The Silver Citizen Award recognizes the valuable contributions older adults make to the community and is open to any county resident 60 years or older who has enhanced the community through their life’s work, engagement of others, volunteerism and/or other impactful acts of service to the community for any age group. Major emphasis is placed on contributions to the community made by the individual after reaching age 60. Service in any field of endeavor will be considered (e.g., education, radio, television, business, healthcare, art, music, journalism, faith-based, athletics, politics, volunteer service). A couple may receive the award jointly when both have been involved in service and various community endeavors.

All nominations must be received no later than 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Award criteria and nomination forms can be found on the Commission on Aging’s webpage at www.clark.wa.gov/aging.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the county’s Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

For more about the commission, visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging.

Second Phase Of Vancouver Lake Management Plan Completed, Work To Address Water Quality Issues To Continue -07/23/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works’ Clean Water division presented an overview of Phase 2 of the Vancouver Lake Management Plan to the Clark County Council at a work session on July 23. The third phase of the project was put on hold after funding was removed from this year’s state budget. At the work session, staff requested council policy direction for the investment of county resources in implementing the management plan. At the council’s direction, staff will continue working to support the implementation of the plan, which will include meeting with partners, advocating for state and federal funding, exploring governance and funding structures, investing in beach management to ensure access for swimmers and water-based recreation, treating for milfoil, and investigating sources of pollution.

The Vancouver Lake Technical Advisory Group, consisting of community stakeholders, local agency representatives and county staff, recently completed Phase 2 of the Vancouver Lake Management Plan. Phase 2 included a pilot of a beach management plan focused on reducing harmful algae blooms at the Vancouver Lake swim beach, as well as an evaluation of engineering options to improve water circulation in the lake and enhance water quality. The work also evaluated governance framework options to support long-term decision-making and funding for ongoing lake management activities.

Funding for implementation of the first two phases was provided through direct funding appropriations from the Washington State Legislature. Phase 1 of the plan focused on planning and establishing a framework for short-term and long-term actions to improve water quality in the lake. Phase 2 focused on implementing recommendations from Phase 1, including:

• Increased public participation and input in lake management discussions through convening of the Vancouver Lake Technical Advisory Group and the 2024 Vancouver Lake Symposium
• Evaluation of long-term governance and funding structure options to support lake management activities
• Development and implementation of a pilot beach management plan for lake treatments at the Vancouver Lake swim beach
• Analysis of options to increase the volume of water entering the lake during summer months to help dilute pollution that causes harmful algal blooms
• Survey, mapping and treatment of invasive species on the lake’s shoreline, by the County Lands Management division

While it may be some time before additional lake management strategies are selected, funded and implemented, work to improve the quality of water draining into the lake is current and ongoing. “Our Clean Water division is also committed to continuing to invest resources in implementing watershed activities as the most impactful thing we can do to restore water quality in Vancouver Lake,” said division manager Devan Rostorfer. “We have a lot of different projects happening right now that will all have positive impacts on reducing nonpoint source pollution and nutrient loading that are the main sources of pollution contributing to harmful algal bloom issues.”

Phase 2 was completed by Herrera Environmental Consultants in partnership with Jacobs, LimnoTech, OrgSupport and AquaTechnex. The consultant team was selected through a competitive process with evaluators representing partners Clark County Public Health, Public Works, the Port of Vancouver and Friends of Vancouver Lake.

Background
Vancouver Lake is located in Clark County adjacent to the Columbia River, with shoreline areas managed by Clark County, WDFW, the Columbia Land Trust, the Port of Vancouver, and the City of Vancouver. The lake covers approximately 2,300 acres, or 3.6 square miles, offering significant recreational opportunities, including national rowing events that attract large numbers of tourists annually. Vancouver Lake also provides considerable access to waterfowl habitat, making it a popular destination for bird-watching enthusiasts. 

Significant lake management planning has been completed after many years, aimed at addressing declining water quality and impacts to recreational opportunities. The efforts focused on managing algae blooms and invasive species in the lake. Most recently, Clark County led the completion of the Phase 1 Vancouver Lake Management Plan, completed in 2023. Phase 2 of the effort concluded in 2025.

More information about the lake management plan can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/lake-management.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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Board Of Health Seeks Applicants For Three Public Health Advisory Council Positions -07/23/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for three volunteer positions on the Public Health Advisory Council. Selected applicants will fill three-year terms that begin Oct. 1, 2025 and end Sept. 30, 2028.

The positions represent the following professional and community groups:

• One position for a nurse working in Clark County.
• One position for a medical doctor practicing in Clark County.
• One position representing the Clark County Commission on Aging or aging community.

The Public Health Advisory Council meets 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in-person at locations across the county. Members may also join council committees that meet periodically throughout the year depending on committee scope and priorities.

The Public Health Advisory Council reviews priority public health needs and makes periodic recommendations to the Board of Health to enhance community health and wellbeing. The council may provide community forums or establish community task forces, as assigned by the Board of Health. And the council reviews and makes recommendations to Clark County Public Health and the Board of Health for the annual budget and fees.

Clark County Public Health promotes healthy communities and environments, health equity, and disease and injury prevention. With community partners, Public Health works to promote healthier choices; ensure the safety of food and water; reduce environmental waste and contamination; and protect people from disease outbreaks through monitoring, early detection and swift response.
 

Those interested in an appointment to the advisory council should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications can also be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov. For questions about council participation and what to expect as a member, email PHACAdmin@clark.wa.gov.

The application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.

Public Health Issues Danger Advisory For Vancouver Lake Due To Harmful Algae -07/23/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has issued a danger advisory for Vancouver Lake due to widespread harmful algal blooms producing elevated levels of cyanotoxins.

Public Health issued the danger advisory after results from water samples collected on Monday revealed toxin levels above the thresholds recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Harmful algal blooms are currently present at several public access points to the lake, including the swim beach and the flushing channel.

Public Health is advising against all recreating in the lake, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, using motorized boats, water skiing and fishing. Pets should not have any contact with the water.

Harmful algal blooms can pose a significant health risk if the cyanobacteria or toxins are ingested, inhaled or contact skin. Inhaled bacteria or toxins can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Skin contact can lead to rash, itching, blisters and eye irritation.

If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness. The toxins can be fatal to pets that drink the water.

Public Health has been monitoring harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxin levels at Vancouver Lake since early June and will continue to monitor the lake. Public Health will take weekly water samples while blooms are present to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.

Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open. Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink.

Lacamas Lake advisory removed
Public Health has lifted the advisory at Lacamas Lake. The harmful algal bloom at Lacamas Lake has dissipated and toxin levels are no longer elevated.

The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. However, harmful algal blooms may return as conditions change. Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in the lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas.

Additional information about algal blooms and current advisories are available on the Public Health website. To report algal blooms in other bodies of water, visit the Public Health website.

County Seeks Applicants For Parks Advisory Board -07/23/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications to fill four vacancies on the seven-member Parks Advisory Board for terms that begin on Jan. 1, 2026.

Board members typically serve three-year terms. Upon expiration of a term, a member can apply again. There is no limit on how many terms a member can serve. The Parks Advisory Board advises the Clark County Council and county staff on parks planning, acquisition, development, and related issues. Applicants must be residents of Clark County.

Clark County is a growing and diverse community with many residents speaking languages other than English. The Parks Advisory Board values the community’s diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. The board encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Although not required, candidates who can fluently speak a language in addition to English are encouraged to include that information in their application. Residents with a passion for parks and the ability to commit to volunteer hours beyond monthly board meetings are encouraged to apply.

The advisory board meets 4 to 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. The board typically meets both in-person at a set location and in virtual format using Microsoft Teams. The meeting location will be noticed on the agenda, Parks Advisory Board website, and meeting invitation, along with the links for the remote meeting.

Interested applicants should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or  michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 pm Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.

More information about the parks board is available on the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/parks-advisory-board.

County Seeks Applicants To Fill Two Open District Court Seats -07/23/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking qualified applicants to fill two open seats in District Court. The seats are open because two judges are retiring soon: Judge Sonya Langsdorf on Sept. 30, 2025, and Judge Kelli E. Osler on Dec. 31, 2025.

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must be a registered voter in Clark County and a lawyer admitted to practice law in the state of Washington.

All qualified persons wishing to be considered for appointment are required to complete a questionnaire which is available by contacting the County Council Office at Michelle.Pfenning@clark.wa.gov or (564) 397-5109.

Completed questionnaires are due to the Council Office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8. Applicants can submit questionnaires by mail to Clark County Council Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or email to Michelle.Pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

The names of all applicants will be submitted to the Clark County Bar Association for the purposes of conducting a preference poll.

The Revised Code of Washington requires that the county legislative authority fill all judicial vacancies on District Court by appointment.

Clark County Seeks Volunteers For Four Positions On The Clean Water Commission -07/18/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants to fill four vacant volunteer positions on the Clean Water Commission. The advisory group, composed of nine Clark County residents, provides input to and assists the Clean Water division of Clark County Public Works. The commission represents the community’s interests and needs related to surface water quality and watershed health. The group also makes recommendations to the Clark County Council about services and policies. The term for one of the open positions begins immediately upon approval and ends in December 2026. The other three open positions begin in January 2026 and end in December 2028.

Applicants must be residents of Clark County, either in the unincorporated area or in a city/town. Professional experience in stormwater management is not required. Applicants with an interest in water quality, data and program analysis, education and outreach, or experience advocating for the environment are encouraged to apply. Competitive applicants will have a passion for preserving and protecting our community’s rivers, streams and lakes, and the ability to commit to participating in the commission’s six required meetings. Candidates who can support the commission’s activities outside of the meetings are strongly encouraged to apply. The commission meets in person from 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every other month, starting in February. A required orientation occurs in January.

To apply, interested residents should submit a letter of interest and a resume to Clark County Public Works, Clean Water Division, c/o Devan Rostorfer, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98660-5000 or via email to cleanwater@clark.wa.gov. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25. More information about the Clean Water Commission can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/clean-water-commission.

Clark County is a growing and diversifying community. The Clean Water Commission values the community’s diversity and seeks ways to ensure all residents are represented on the commission. Applicants from historically underserved or underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply. The Clean Water division will provide a virtual attendance option, interpretation, translated materials, accessible materials and accommodations upon request. Requests can be made to cleanwater@clark.wa.gov or by calling 564.397.4345.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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Recording Fees Increase Following State Legislative Approval Of Bills -07/15/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Recording Office in the Clark County Auditor’s Office has updated fees for some documents as a result of changes approved by the Washington State Legislature in House Bill 1858 and House Bill 1498. The effective date for the new fee structure is July 27, 2025.

Marriage licenses are increasing from $72 to $172. The $100 increase will fund a co-responder program for domestic violence incidents.

House Bill 1858 eliminated exemptions for documents which transfer the ownership or trusteeship of loan documents. The recording fees for the first pages of those documents now will be $301.

More information on the Auditor’s Recording Office is on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/auditor/recording-overview.

Public Health Lifts Advisory At Vancouver Lake After Water Quality Improves -07/11/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its advisory at Vancouver Lake. Water samples collected from the lake show water quality has improved over the last two weeks and toxin levels are no longer elevated.

The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. While the toxin levels are no longer elevated, harmful algae are still present in the lake. As long as algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lake change.

Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in Vancouver Lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. Pets should not drink or have contact with water in areas of floating scum.

The warning advisory at Lacamas Lake remains in placed due to elevated toxin levels from harmful algae. The Lacamas Lake warning advisory has been in place since June 4.

Public Health will continue to monitor the lakes and, while blooms are present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Advisories will be updated as conditions change. Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories are available on the Public Health website.

Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE -07/09/25

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to the decedent recovered from Lake River on July 4, 2025.

This individual was found on 07/04/2025 in Ridgefield, WA.

The name of the decedent: Price, Richard Alan   Age: 57 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: 07/09/2025

Commission On Aging To Discuss “Aging In Place” -07/08/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The Commission on Aging’s charge is to provide leadership in addressing the special needs of the aging population and to manage and assist with the implementation of the county’s Aging Readiness Plan.  This month, the Commission focuses on Chapters 2 (Healthy Communities) and 3 (Housing) of the Aging Readiness Plan. The Commission welcomes the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities and certified “aging in place” specialists to discuss available services and housing modifications that will enable older adults to age in place.

The meeting will begin at 4:30 pm Wednesday, July 16, and is open to the public.

Commission on Aging meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

Clark County Seeks Nominations For Local Businesses, Individuals For Disability Employment Awareness Awards -07/07/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking nominations of businesses and individuals for its annual Clark County Disability Employment Awareness Month Awards. The awards honor the role people with developmental disabilities have in assisting us to achieve a dynamic, productive workforce and recognize the leadership of the business community. The event also celebrates October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Awards will be given for the following categories:

1. Large Employer of people with developmental/intellectual disabilities (50 or more local employees)
2. Small Employer of people with developmental/intellectual disabilities (49 or less local employees)
3. Employee with a developmental/intellectual disability
4. Dennis Campbell Outstanding Service Award for outstanding service to improving the lives of individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities
5. David Hanawalt Service Award for an employment specialist who demonstrates service to their clients above and beyond the client’s expectations, exceeds the contractual expectations, and promotes client success and growth.

Recognition: 

Recipients of these awards and nominees will be honored at the Disability Employment Awards Event, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at Clark College in a ceremony, and celebration. The program will begin at 4 pm and end at 6 pm, with networking happening from 4-4:30 pm.

Anyone wishing to nominate a business or individual please access the nomination forms via the following link.

The deadline for submission is 5 pm Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2025.
 

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily Harris at emily@gowise.org or 503.750.9776.

Delays Expected On Northwest 99th Street During Water Quality Project Construction, Beginning In July -07/03/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is installing a large stormwater filter vault to treat runoff from approximately five acres of impervious surfaces along Northwest 99th Street, Northwest 9th Avenue, and the surrounding area. Three stormwater filter catch basins will also be installed. Construction will begin in July.

Travelers can expect some delays on Northwest 99th Street during construction, but all travel lanes will remain open. Drivers are reminded to slow down, pay attention and be patient in work zones.

Updates will be posted on the project webpage at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northwest-99th-street-water-quality-retrofit-northwest-11th-avenue-cougar-creek.  

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office - MEDIA RELEASE -07/03/25

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This release provides updated information in the investigation related to a body recovered from the Columbia River on May 30, 2025. Cause and manner of death and how injury occurred have been updated; this information was pending at the time of the previous media release.

This individual was found on 05/30/2025 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Fred, Franky Chris   Age: 18 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Manner of death:  Accident

Cause of death:  Drowning

Other significant conditions: Ethanol use

Place of injury: Flushing channel between Vancouver Lake and Columbia River

How injury occurred: Drowned in flushing channel/lake

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 07/03/25 (previous media release date: 06/16/2025)

County Implements Burn Ban Beginning July 3 -07/01/25

Vancouver, Wash. – Starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 3 all land clearing and residential burning in Clark County will be banned until further notice.

The Fire Marshal also is rescinding all burning permits issued prior to the ban. Permits can be reissued or extended when the ban is lifted. The burning restrictions do not apply to federally managed lands.

“With no precipitation in the forecast, increasing temperatures, and out of an abundance of caution, open burning in Clark County will be closed until further notice,” said Fire Marshal Donna Goddard. “This does not restrict recreational fires at this time.”

To have predictable and consistent burn bans, Clark County implements a policy to ban outdoor burning from July 15 through Sept. 30 each year. Designating this period was based on years of information about fuel conditions. However, under certain conditions, a ban can begin sooner or end later.

Recreational campfires on forest lands are allowed only in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as commercial campgrounds and local, county and state parks. On private land, recreational fires are permitted when built according to the following regulations:

• Recreational fires must be in a metal-, stone- or masonry-lined fire pit such as those in improved campgrounds or available at home and garden stores.
• Size may not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be at least 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material and have at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels such as tree limbs, patio covers or carports.
• Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old who has the ability and tools to extinguish the fire. Tools include a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces, also known as patio fireplaces, designed to burn solid wood should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Completely extinguish recreational fires by covering them with water or moist soil and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
• Self-contained camp stoves are a safe and easy alternative to campfires.

For more information, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 564.397.2186 or visit the county’s website at  https://clark.wa.gov/community-development/outdoor-burning.