Vancouver Fire Department Operating At A Vacant House Fire (Photo) - 05/09/26

Vancouver Firefighters are operating at a house fire at 3519 E 21st Street. The 911 call came in around 10:00 AM this morning for reports of a house on fire. The first engine arrived in just 90 seconds and found fire coming from the side of the building. Firefighters used hose lines to start extinguishing the fire, which was found to be vacant with several doors boarded up. It took about 25 minutes to fully extinguish the fire with about 22 firefighters on scene. Nobody was inside the building and no animals were involved. Clark County Fire District 6 sent an engine and a ladder truck to the fire to assist fire fighting efforts. No injuries were reported. Citizens are encouraged to avoid the area until about 12:00 Saturday afternoon to avoid traffic congestion. The Vancouver Fire Marshal's office in on scene investigating the cause of the fire. This report will be updated as further information and pictures become available.  

Vancouver Fire Department Responds To Multi-Vehicle Collision With Injuries (Photo) - 05/04/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2026

Vancouver Fire Department Responds to Multi-Vehicle Collision with Multiple Injuries

Vancouver, WA — At approximately 10:16 PM on May 3, 2026, the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a multi-vehicle collision involving three vehicles on Mill Plain Boulevard in the area of SE 124th Avenue.

Upon arrival, crews found a complex scene spanning several blocks with multiple patients requiring medical attention. Due to the scale and severity of the incident, the first-arriving fire engine requested additional resources, including a second fire engine, a ladder truck, a Battalion Chief, and three ambulances.

One adult female patient required heavy extrication after her vehicle sustained a secondary collision with a large business sign, resulting in significant intrusion into the passenger compartment. The vehicle came to rest between two structural pillars, necessitating rapid and coordinated rescue efforts. Firefighters removed the entire passenger side of the vehicle while simultaneously providing medical care to the patient.

Once extricated, the patient was stabilized, packaged, and transported via ambulance to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. A Vancouver Fire Department paramedic and captain accompanied the ambulance crew to provide advanced life support during the emergency transport.

Additional patients from the incident were evaluated and transported by ambulance as needed.

The Vancouver Police Department assisted at the scene by managing traffic control and conducting an investigation into the cause of the collision.

Safety Reminder:
The Vancouver Fire Department reminds all drivers to remain vigilant, avoid distractions, and obey posted speed limits—especially at night when visibility is reduced. Serious crashes can happen in seconds, but their consequences can last a lifetime. Always wear your seatbelt and drive responsibly to protect yourself and others on the road.

Media Contact:
Vancouver Fire Department Public Information Officer
Captain Raymond Egan
raymond.egan@cityofvancouver.us
cityfirepios@cityofvancouver.us
PIO Cell (360) 869-3914

Crash Involving Hazardous Materials Closes NE Padden Parkway – Shelter-in-Place Advisory Issued (Photo) - 05/01/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 1, 2026 – 10:15 PM

Crash Involving Hazardous Materials Closes NE Padden Parkway – Shelter-in-Place Advisory Issued

Emergency responders are currently on scene of a rollover crash involving hazardous materials near NE Padden Parkway and NE 107th Avenue in Clark County. At approximately 9:03 PM, a pickup truck traveling westbound struck the center median, crossed into oncoming traffic, and rolled over, coming to rest on its side in the eastbound lanes. The driver, the sole occupant, was initially trapped inside the vehicle but conscious and breathing. The driver has since been removed and is receiving medical care. During the crash, containers in the truck released a chemical identified as muriatic acid. The spill spread across all eastbound lanes, producing visible fumes and a vapor cloud drifting southwest due to prevailing winds.

What this means for the public:

• NE Padden Parkway is fully closed in both directions between approximately NE 94th Street and State Route 503

• Traffic is being turned around, and drivers should expect significant delays in the surrounding area

• Residents within roughly 1,000 feet of NE 107th Avenue are advised to shelter in place, stay indoors, and close windows and doors

• Pedestrians and cyclists are being cleared from nearby overpasses and trails for safety

Hazmat teams are actively working to identify, contain, and neutralize the chemical spill. Fire crews are operating in protective equipment due to the fumes, and air monitoring is ongoing. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital due to exposure, and additional medical units have been staged as a precaution. Due to the hazardous environment:

• Avoid the area completely

• Do not attempt to bypass closures or approach the scene

• Follow instructions from emergency personnel

This is a developing situation. Road closures are expected to remain in place for several hours while cleanup and safety assessments continue. Updates will be shared as conditions change.

Confined Space Rescue After 20-Foot Fall At Washougal Wastewater Treatment (Photo) - 04/30/26

Washougal, WA — April 29, 2026 — At approximately 1:25 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, crews from the Camas-Washougal Fire Department (CWFD) responded to reports of a 36-year-old man who had fallen into a tank under construction at the Washougal Wastewater Treatment Facility.  The injured man is an employee of a private contractor working on site.

Upon arrival, first responders quickly assessed the situation and recognized the need for specialized rescue resources. The Southwest Washington Region 4 Technical Rescue Team (TRT) was activated to assist. In coordination with a TRT Lead, CWFD personnel initiated air monitoring, secured access to the tank, and began providing medical care to the worker while awaiting the arrival of the rescue team.

TRT members deployed advanced technical rescue techniques and equipment to safely extricate the patient. A cable based vertical haul system was utilized to raise the man approximately 25 feet from the tank floor to the roof level. A second rope system was then established to carefully lower him down a stairway and onto an awaiting ambulance gurney. The patient was transported to a local medical facility in stable condition.

Technical rescue is a specialized discipline within the fire service that involves the application of advanced skills, training, and equipment to safely resolve complex rescue situations. These incidents may include confined space rescues, trench collapses, water emergencies, structural collapses, and rescues involving individuals trapped above or below ground level. This incident required a combination of confined space, high-angle, and low-angle rescue techniques.

The TRT response included personnel from multiple agencies, including Vancouver Fire Department, Clark County Fire District 6, Clark County Fire District 3, and Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue.

The tank involved in the incident is part of a new construction project being completed by a private contractor. The structure measures approximately 150 feet in diameter with a 22-foot interior holding capacity and is designed as a four-cell aerobic digester for biosolid treatment.

Residential Fire At 3512 NE 102nd Court - 04/30/26

At approximately 4:59 PM on April 29th, crews from the Vancouver Fire Department responded to reports of flames coming from a residence at 3512 NE 102nd Court.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed an active house fire and quickly extinguished it while searching for occupants. During the search, crews safely rescued two dogs from the home.

One occupant was displaced. No firefighter injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office.

Vancouver Fire Department Responds To Residential Garage Fire (Photo) - 04/25/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2026

Vancouver Fire Department Responds to Residential Garage Fire

Vancouver, WA — At 1:51 PM on April 25, 2026, the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a reported garage fire at 12010 SE McGillivray Blvd. The first arriving engine reached the scene in just 3 minutes and 30 seconds, where crews encountered active fire in both the garage and attic space of the home.

Firefighters acted quickly to ensure all occupants had safely evacuated the residence while simultaneously working to contain the fire and prevent its spread. Due to the rapid response and coordinated efforts of crews on scene, the fire was successfully stopped before it could extend into the main living areas of the home.

In addition to fire suppression efforts, crews assisted residents by removing personal belongings from the home both during and after the incident, helping to preserve valuable and sentimental items.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced occupants, which include five adults, four cats, and one dog.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshals Office.

Media Contact:
Vancouver Fire Department
Public Information Office
Captain Raymond Egan

raymond.egan@cityofvancouver.us

PIO Cell 360-869-3914

Vancouver Fire Department Responds To Emergency Aircraft Landing On SR-14 (Photo) - 04/18/26

At approximately 12:32 p.m. on April 18, 2026, Vancouver Fire Department crews were dispatched to reports of a Cessna aircraft landing on State Route 14. Upon arrival, crews located the aircraft in the grass along the eastbound shoulder near milepost 2.

The aircraft experienced a mechanical issue shortly after departing Pearson Field. The pilot safely executed an emergency landing on SR-14 and taxied onto the shoulder, out of the flow of traffic. The pilot was the sole occupant and was not injured. No other vehicles were involved.

The Vancouver Fire Department was assisted on scene by American Medical Response, the Vancouver Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol.

Late-Night House Fire Prompts Rescue Effort; One Pet Survives (Photo) - 04/14/26

April 14, 2026

Just before 9:00 p.m., crews from Vancouver Fire and Clark County Fire District 3 were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 9304 NE 227th Avenue.

A resident called 911 to report a rapidly developing kitchen fire, forcing the family to evacuate the home. While units were enroute, dispatchers relayed critical information that multiple pets remained trapped inside the burning structure.  First-arriving crews were met with heavy smoke conditions and immediately initiated an aggressive interior attack. Firefighters entered the smoke-filled home to bring the fire under control while simultaneously conducting a primary search for the missing animals. During the search, firefighters located and rescued two dogs and two cats from inside the residence. All four animals were quickly removed from the structure, and crews began emergency resuscitation efforts on scene. Despite the rapid response and lifesaving efforts of personnel, three of the animals succumbed. One dog was successfully revived and survived (pictured).

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office.

City Of Vancouver Fire Department Welcomes New Engine 5 With Traditional “Push-In” Ceremony At Station 5 - 04/14/26

City of Vancouver Fire Department Welcomes New Engine 5 with Traditional “Push-In” Ceremony at Station 5

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The City of Vancouver Fire Department proudly marked the arrival of its newest apparatus, Engine 5, with a traditional “Push-In” ceremony at Fire Station 5. Firefighters, mechanics, and department personnel gathered to officially place the new engine into service, celebrating both a significant investment in public safety and a longstanding fire service tradition.

Engine 5, manufactured by KME, a member of the REV Group, brings advanced technology, modern safety systems, and enhanced operational capabilities to the department. This state-of-the-art apparatus will support firefighters in delivering faster, safer, and more effective emergency response to the Vancouver community.

The “Push-In” ceremony honors a tradition dating back to the 1800s, when horse-drawn fire engines had to be manually pushed into the station after returning from calls. Today, departments across the country continue the practice as a symbolic connection to the fire service’s rich history and enduring values.

“Today’s ceremony connects us to our past while celebrating an important step forward for our department,” said Captain Egan. “Engine 5 strengthens our ability to protect lives and property, and the ‘Push-In’ tradition reminds us of the generations of firefighters who built the foundation we stand on today.”

In a meaningful reflection of teamwork, firefighters were joined by the department’s fleet maintenance technicians—who are based at Station 5—in pushing Engine 5 into its bay for the first time. The moment highlighted the essential role these skilled mechanics play in ensuring every emergency vehicle is maintained to the highest standards.

“This engine represents more than new equipment—it reflects our community’s commitment to safety and resilience,” Captain Egan added. “Our fleet technicians are a vital part of our fire department family. Their expertise and dedication ensure our apparatus are ready to respond at a moment’s notice, and we are proud to recognize their contributions today.”

The City of Vancouver Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to community members and city leadership for their continued support in strengthening emergency services and public safety.

Media Contact:
City of Vancouver Fire Department
Public Information Office
Phone: (360) 869-3914
Email: cityfirepios@cityofvancouver.us
Website: www.cityofvancouver.us/departments/fire-department/

Contact:
Captain Raymond Egan
raymond.egan@cityofvancouver.us
cityfirepios@cityofvancouver.us
Work Cell: (360) 869-3914