Longview, WA.  Units from Longview Fire Department, Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, Medix Ambulance, and Longview Police responded to the report of a building fire in the 300 block of Oregon Way late Sunday evening.  Bystanders reported windows blowing out and flames extending to the roof. 

Longview Fire arrived to find a small commercial occupancy heavily involved in fire.  Crews positioned hose lines in a defensive position to fight fire from the exterior while protecting the neighboring buildings from the extending flames.  Units from Cowlitz 2 arrived and worked with Longview Fire to force-entry through exterior steel doors, allowing for the fire to be extinguished.  Crews determined the occupancy was safe for entry to extinguish any hotspots and to begin their investigation. 

“This is an example of a high-risk situation outside of our normal residential fires,” stated Longview Fire Battalion Chief Matt Amos.  “The fire was allowed to burn for an extended period of time due to no indicators to alert the passing public.”  Chief Amos credited the coordination of resources that minimized the impact on the community. 

ServPro provided board-up services to ensure the occupancy was secure until the owner could return to the scene the following day. No injuries were reported.  The fire is still under investigation by Longview Fire’s Investigation Team.

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