Vancouver Fire Department To Conduct Live-Fire Training At Station 5 On Wednesday, October 7th (Photo) - 10/07/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver Fire Department to Conduct Live-Fire Training at Station 5

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Vancouver Fire Department will conduct live-fire training today at Fire Station 5, from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During the training, residents and businesses in the surrounding area may notice smoke, fire apparatus, and increased activity at the station throughout the day. The smoke and fire observed during this time will be part of planned, controlled firefighter training.

Live-fire training is an important component of preparing firefighters for the conditions they may encounter during an actual structure fire. These controlled exercises allow firefighters to work in realistic heat and smoke while practicing critical skills, including:

• Hose advancement and fire attack
• Fire control
• Search and rescue
• Fireground communication
• Coordinated company operations
• Decision-making under changing fire conditions

The training also supports the ongoing proficiency requirements for Washington firefighters. Under WAC 296-305-05502, firefighters who perform interior structural firefighting in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) conditions must receive live-fire training appropriate to their assigned duties at least once every three years. The regulation also requires ongoing training and proficiency development to help prevent the degradation of critical firefighting skills.

Live-fire evolutions are conducted by qualified fire service instructors and follow required safety procedures and standards.

While the majority of firefighter training does not involve live fire, controlled live-fire exercises provide an important opportunity for firefighters to bring individual skills together in realistic conditions. This preparation helps ensure crews are ready to perform effectively when those skills are needed during an actual emergency.

The Vancouver Fire Department appreciates the community’s understanding and support as firefighters conduct this important training.

Media Contact:

Captain Raymond Egan

raymond.egan@cityofvancouver.us

360-869-3914
Vancouver Fire Department
City of Vancouver, Washington

Two-Alarm Apartment Fire At Vancouver Mall Drive (Photo) - 10/03/26

At approximately 11:38 a.m., Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to 7609 NE Vancouver Mall Drive for reports of smoke and fire.

First-arriving crews found an apartment actively on fire and quickly began working to extinguish the fire. While searching the apartment, firefighters located an occupant inside and safely rescued her from the building. She was brought outside, where she received medical care before being transported by American Medical Response (AMR).

A total of 33 firefighters responded to the incident, which was upgraded to a two-alarm fire due to the extent of the fire and the resources required.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office.