Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Announces Updated Fire Protection Classifications For Certain Rural Properties - 03/27/26

Kelso, WA - Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, in association with the Washington State Fire Chief’s Association, is announcing the implementation of a new “W” Protection Class designation affecting certain properties located between five and seven road miles from a responding fire station. Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue has been an active contributor to helping make changes to the Washington State Ratings Bureau (WSRB) insurance rating system. This update, effective March 1, 2026, more accurately reflects the fire suppression capabilities available to rural properties served by Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue. It is estimated, by the WSRB, that 98% of all protected properties state-wide will fall within this new seven-mile range.

Historically, properties beyond five road miles were placed into broad classifications that did not always account for modern fire service operations. Today, fire protection capability is determined by more than distance alone. Staffing levels, training standards, apparatus deployment, water supply systems, and coordinated response models all play a critical role in effective fire suppression.

Under the updated framework, properties may qualify for a “W” designation if they:

· Are located between five and seven road miles from a recognized Class A fire station. All of Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue’s fire stations qualify [Bakers Corner, Lexington, Rose Valley, Kelso]; and

· Are within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant or are supported by an established mobile water supply system, which includes Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue’s water tender credit.

The “W” designation recognizes that while extended travel distances present operational challenges, these properties benefit from organized fire response, trained personnel, structural and wildland apparatus, and reliable water delivery systems. This change will help many more homeowners potentially see lower rates in the newer seven-mile range, even without fire hydrants due to Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue’s water tender credit.

Property owners with questions about how this may apply to their location are encouraged to contact their homeowner’s insurance agent/carrier.

More on Washington State Ratings Bureau (WSRB) can be found on their website: https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/public-protection. 

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Commercial Fire At Red Lion Hotel (Photo) - 03/08/26

Sunday 3/8/26 Update: 

Today, Sunday, crews continued operations at the red line in Kelso.  Crews worked overnight to monitor pockets of fire and to extinguish those as they developed. This morning, crews arrived on site with heavy equipment, brought in by the property owners, and in conjunction with Cowlitz 2 Fire Rescue & Rescue investigators and fire personnel began to remove the remaining building hazards (hanging debris and fall hazard equipment), allowing access to areas of interest in their investigation.  

Crews operated from roughly 8 AM until 2 PM, and we’re able to reduce the center core of the building, mainly the front desk and ballroom areas, to the pile of rubble remaining.

Crews applied water to any remaining small and hot material, ensuring there was no fire remaining in the north wing or south wing as well as the center section.

By 3 PM Sunday, fire crews had departed the scene and left the property in the control of the property owners.

This was only made possible by the work of the Private heavy equipment operators and Kelso public works.

Fire investigators are close to completing their investigation; their findings will be disclosed when they do.  

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Update:

The fire at 510 Kelso Dr. at Red Lion Hotel has been confined to the center of the structure.  Existing firewalls and cuts made on the roof by firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to other areas.  The fire is still active, but has been significantly reduced.  Some crews have been released from the scene, while other apparatus will remain on scene overnight to continue to monitor and extinguish hot spots.  Heavy equipment will arrive in the morning to assist with deconstructing parts of the building to access unreachable hot spots. 

Approximately 60 firefighters responded to the fire on 20 apparatus.  There were 12 rooms booked for the evening; the number of residents was not known.  All occupants, including 4 staff workers, were able to evacuate safely before fire suppression efforts began. 

Community members and businesses in the community have brought snacks and drinks by for the firefighters, which has been greatly appreciated.  

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Kelso, WA - Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to an activated fire alarm at 510 Kelso Dr. at 1:39pm Saturday.  Fire crews arrived and reported smoke showing from the front side of the building and upgraded the call to a working commercial fire.  Firefighters evacuated all guests and employees from the Hotel and began fire suppression efforts.  A second alarm was also activated.  

Multiple agencies from the area are currently on scene including Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Longview Fire Department, Clark Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Cowlitz County Fire Dist. 6 (Castle Rock), Cowlitz County Fire Dist. 5 (Kalama), Lewis County Fire along with Kelso Police, Cowlitz County Public Works, and Cowlitz County Public Utilities.  

Resources currently on scene are 6 Fire engines, 3 ladder trucks, 1 water tender, and 5 Chief officers are currently on scene managing the incident.  

No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is not known.