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@Cowlitz2Fire
Date: 8/2/22
Early afternoon Lexington house fire destroys home and displaces two adults
Kelso, WA- Just after 12:30pm, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue (C2FR) responded to a reported house fire in the 200 block of Louise Street in the Lexington area of Kelso
Several 911 callers reported seeing large flames and hearing explosions in the first couple minutes. A 1st Alarm Structure Fire Dispatch was sent out for firefighters by the Cowlitz 911 center
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Engine 25 (Lexington) arrived in less than 3 minutes from the dispatch time and confirmed a working fire in the garage and two vehicles on fire. The first arriving Engine Company confirmed with the owner that all people made it out of the house safe and uninjured. They then immediately began flowing water on the fire.
The homeowner stated he was welding on the exhaust system of one of the cars under the carport when fire erupted from under the car and its fuel tank. Due to the quantity of flammable liquids and gases in the immediate area the fire grew rapidly and extended inside the home prior to firefighters arriving. An overhead PUD line connected to the home burnt through early in the fire and blocked further access for additional fire engines.
Cowlitz PUD was requested to respond to the scene. The power line to the home detached, remained “hot” and sparked across the ground starting additional grass fires on the neighboring property.
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded with 2 fire engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 Water Tender, Battalion Chief and a Deputy Chief. The Cowlitz 2 Incident Commander on scene requested one additional fire engine from Longview Fire Department.
It was discovered that the owners two Cats were not able to make it out of the home and perished in the fire. Firefighters requested the assistance of American Red Cross to assist the homeowners with temporary housing and medications. The home is considered a total loss.