Shed Fire Quickly Stopped (Photo) - 05/05/26

Kelso, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded Tuesday evening at 5:10 to a shed on fire in the 1400 block of West Side Hwy. The homeowner reported his shed was on fire in his backyard, which was close to his home. Fire crews arrived and attacked the fire with multiple hose lines, having the fire under control within 9 minutes of arriving, stopping the fire spread. Crews remained on scene and checked for hot spots and extension into the ceiling of the thirty-by-10-foot shed. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but is believed to be accidental. No injuries were reported.

Brush Fire In Cowlitz County (Photo) - 05/05/26

Cowlitz County, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Cowlitz County Fire District 5 (Kalama) responded to a brush fire Monday (May 4th) afternoon at 4:43 in the 1000 block of Lincoln Rd in Kelso, WA. Initial reports were that a homeowner burning yard debris had gotten out of hand and is spreading to nearby brush. Fire crews arrived and reported multiple slash piles burning and a 10-foot by 300-foot fire spread into nearby brush and light fuels. Firefighters attacked the fire with multiple hose lines and had the fire contained just before 7 pm.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was also dispatched and assisted Cowlitz 2 firefighters with locating and extinguishing hot spots; DNR crews remained on scene for several hours, monitoring the scene for potential flare-ups. The cause of the fire was accidental; the homeowner did not have a burn permit. Officials from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue remind the public that following proper burn regulations, including securing a valid burn permit and using good judgment, will assist in reducing wildfire incidents as warmer weather and a predicted dry season approach. Also, to always stay informed on local and regional burn bans, which can be found at https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/196/Emergency-Management and https://www.swcleanair.gov/ .

Two-vehicle Rollover Accident Sends Four To The Hospital (Photo) - 04/30/26

Longview, WA – Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle rollover accident at 4013 Ocean Beach Hwy just before 2 am Thursday.  Initial reports from bystanders were that one vehicle had rolled over and is resting on its top off of the roadway, and another is on its side.  Law enforcement arrived at the scene and confirmed two male subjects were trapped inside the upside-down passenger truck and the occupants of the other vehicle had removed themselves from the passenger car, which was resting on its side.

Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Longview Fire Department arrived on scene and began stabilizing the vehicle on its top, then extricating the occupants using Hydraulic and other rescue tools.  Four ambulances were called to the scene, one was later cancelled as they were not needed, and LifeFlight Network was requested and stood by at Peace Health St. John’s Medical Center (SJMC). 

Both occupants were extricated and transported rapidly to SJMC by medic units from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Longview Medix.  The other two occupants, in the vehicle on its side, were also evaluated by on-scene paramedics; one was transported by another Cowlitz 2 medic unit, the other by Longview Police.  Two fire engines, three ambulances, two Chief Officers, and multiple police officers from Longview Police, Washington State Patrol, and Kelso Police responded to the accident. 

The cause of the accident is under investigation by Law enforcement.  Alcohol use is suspected to be a factor.  

Afternoon House Fire In Longview, No Injuries - 04/27/26

Longview, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Longview Fire Dept., Cowlitz County District 6 (Castle Rock), and Wahkiakum Fire District #4 responded to a house fire in the 200 block of Eufaula Heights Rd at 1:43 Monday afternoon.  Flames and smoke through the roof were initially reported.  Fire crews arrived and reported the single-wide mobile home was 50 percent involved in fire and that there were exposures to protect (a motorhome and a detached garage).  Firefighters also confirmed that everyone was out of the home. 

Fire crews attacked the fire with multiple hose lines and had the fire under control at 2:31 pm.  Firefighters continued to remove burnt debris from the home and checked for hotspots until 4:19 pm when the fire was completely extinguished.  The one occupant was offered shelter and other resources from the American Red Cross, but declined assistance.  The fire is under investigation; no injuries were reported.