Multiple Agencies Respond To Various Fires Sunday Afternoon -04/12/20

Cowlitz County, Wa- Multiple agencies respond to various fires in the Cowlitz County and Longview area mid to late afternoon Easter Sunday.  The first fire was dispatched at 1:18 for a house fire in the 100 block of Ragland Road.  Firefighters from the City of Longview Fire Department and Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded and reported smoke showing from the eves and the front door when they arrived.  Three children, ages twelve, five, and three, and their grandmother were able to evacuate the home before firefighters arrived.  Firefighters had the fire under control at 2:47 and fully extinguished at 3:49.  Three fire engines, a water tender, and a Chief officer responded to the fire.  Cowlitz County Sheriff deputies and Cowlitz County Public Utility District also responded.  The home is considered a total loss, according to fire officials.  A dog perished in the fire, no other injuries were reported.  The American Red Cross will be assisting the displaced family with shelter and other needs.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Multiple firefighters, from the City of Longview Fire Department and other neighboring jurisdictions, were dispatched at 2:37pm and have responded to an Industrial Fire at 240 Tennant Way at Swanson Bark and Wood Products.  Firefighters are still on scene and continuing to attack the fire. 

Shortly after the Industrial fire dispatch fire crews from Cowlitz and Clark County and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded to a brush fire at 2:41pm in the area of the 200 block of Astro Dr. East of Interstate 5.  A brush fire was reported to get out of control and quickly spread up a steep hill where two homes resided.  Multiple brush engines and water tenders responded to the fire.  Firefighters first on scene reported the size of the fire to be approximately two acres.  Aerial support from wild land helicopters, dropping water buckets, were ordered by DNR supervisors helping to slow the fire down.  Brush engines are remaining on scene overnight to monitor the fire and watch for hot spots.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Cowlitz County firefighters continued to Wahiakum County at 7:10pm to assist firefighters fighting an equipment fire, sending and a brush engine and a structural engine.  The fire was located at 18899 Ocean Beach Highway near the County line.  No additional details are available on this incident.  

***NOTE***:  

Fire officials warn that light ground fuels, especially blackberry bushes and briers are very ignitable this time of year and to use caution if burning brush.  These fuels are still very dry from the Winter.  Fire officials recommend to wait another few weeks to a month before burning for fuel moistures to rise.  As always follow local rules and regulations when burning.