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@Cowlitz2Fire
At 0649 this morning local Firefighters were called to a Coal Creek area residence for a structure fire. Multiple neighbors reported seeing flames and residents report their home was on fire.
Initial responding fire crews arrived within 10 minutes and discovered the residence was 30-45% involved with heavy flames and smoke spreading throughout the structure.
Fire crews attacked the fire with hose lines and large water flow master streams which knocked the initial fire down but crews spent several hours extinguishing the many small fires within spaces inside of the house.
Water tenders and large supply lines were utilized to maintain adequate firefighting water flow throughout the incident. This resulted in the closing of a section of Coal Creek Road for several hours.
The home owners reported that they were alerted by their dogs and smoke alarms. They were able to escape with only the clothes they were wearing and 1 dog. The homeowners were unharmed but unfortunately 1 dog perished in the fire.
Fire crews remained at scene until approximately 2:30 pm but will be returning throughout the evening to ensure the fire remains extinguished
Crews from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Longview Fire Department, Cowlitz County District 6, County Roads, Cowlitz PUD, American Red Cross and Cowlitz County Sheriffs responded. A big welcome is extended to neighbors that pitched in to provide blankets, drinks and assistance to the residents and firefighters during the incident. No personnel were injured.
The structure is a total loss with estimated loss to the structure in excess of $350,000 and over $50,000 in contentsThe fire is currently under investigation but appears to have accidentally started in the basement.
Working smoke detectors and highly alert dogs are to credit in the lives saved
Lt. Dan W Cothren, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue