Firefighters Rescue Two-week-old Calf From Burning Barn (Photo) - 01/15/26
Kelso, WA - Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a barn on fire just before 11 pm Wednesday in the 140 block of Ranch Road. Fire crews arrived at the property and reported smoke coming from the attic of the two-story barn. They immediately made an interior attack with multiple hose lines controlling the fire in less than 20 minutes from when they arrived. During the fire attack, crews located a 2-week-old calf and rescued it from the burning barn. The fire was extinguished an hour later. Crews also confirmed there was no extension into other areas of the barn and required removing large quantities of smoldering hay. The damage to the barn was contained to the lower floor, according to fire officials.
Resources from Cowlitz County Fire District #5 (Kalama) responded with a fire engine and assisted with fire attack and overhaul. A total of 4 fire engines, 2 water tenders, 1 brush engine and a Chief Officer responded. An unsecured heat lamp was determined to be the cause of the fire, according to fire officials. The condition of the calf is not known; no injuries were reported.
Fire officials remind the public to use caution when installing and using heat lamps. Properly secure the lamp(s) and keep the lamp a safe distance from flammable materials like animal bedding and hay. Also, avoid extension cords when possible and check for proper wattage before use. Lastly, have a working fire extinguisher nearby for emergency use.
