Regional HazMat Team Responds To Electric Scooter Fire (Photo) -04/28/25

At 11:39 today (04/28/2025) the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to 1618 NE 107^th Ave in Vancouver, WA for the report of an electric powered scooter that was on fire next to a field.  The first arriving engine requested a HazMat Team Leader consult which resulted in the deployment of the regional hazmat team from Vancouver Fire.  The scooter appeared to be experiencing a thermal runaway in the battery compartment which resulted in a small fire and off-gassing from the cells.  Hazmat team members in chemical protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus safely move the scooter to a salt-brine filled container to both cool the thermal runaway and discharge the remaining power in the battery cells.

 

Vancouver Fire would like to caution everyone that the smoke produced by some battery fires can be toxic and possibly flammable. 

 

To reduce the chance of scooter battery fires, always use approved batteries, chargers and follow manufacturer instructions. Store scooters away from flammable materials, exits and ensure they are not left unattended while charging. If you notice any signs of battery damage, like swelling, leakage, or overheating, stop using the scooter immediately and get away from it.

Single Vehicle Rollover Injures Passenger (Photo) -04/27/25

At 11:28 on April 27^th, Vancouver Fire responded to a single vehicle rollover just east of 172^nd Ave on NE Ward Rd.  Battalion Chief 2 and Engine 4 arrived to find 1 sedan on its top with a passenger trapped in the vehicle.  The driver had been able to remove herself from the car and was uninjured.  The on scene crew worked to stabilize the car and gain access to the trapped person.  Truck 10 arrived and quickly formed a plan to carefully remove the passenger using electric extrication tools.  American Medical Response transported the patient to a local hospital in fair condition.  Investigation is being conducted by Clark County Sheriffs office.  Vancouver Fire would like to remind everyone that seatbelts save lives. 

Vancouver Fire Responds To House Fire (Photo) -04/23/25

At 6:57 PM on 4/23/2025 Vancouver Fire was dispatched to the report of a house fire at 15613 SE Evergreen Highway.  Initial crews arrived to find heavy fire coming from a house that was under construction, which made the scene more dangerous.  Crews attacked the fire from the exterior before moving interior to search for people and extinguish the fire.  The scene was deemed to be under control in just over fifty minutes.  Vancouver Fire had twelve units on scene with thirty personnel while Camas/Washougal Fire sent one engine.  No one was home and no firefighters were injured in the fire.  The Vancouver Fire Marshals office is on scene to investigate.

 

The Vancouver Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check for working smoke detectors twice a year and plan for evacuation in case of a house fire. 

Major Three Car Collision Sends Two Drivers To Hospital (Photo) -04/19/25

At 11:29 on 04/19/2025 Vancouver Fire was dispatched to the report of a three-car collision at the intersection of NE 162^nd Ave and NE 7^th St.  Upon arrival, firefighters found three vehicles that all suffered major damage.  The Vancouver Police Department provided traffic control.  Fire department paramedics quickly triaged the patients and began to immediately render aid.  The first patient treated was in critical condition and transported by American Medical Response with two fire department paramedics to a local trauma center.  A second patient was treated and transported in a second ambulance with the third patient declining ambulance transport. 

Vancouver Fire Engine Spots House Fire (Photo) -04/14/25

Just before noon on April 14^th, Vancouver Fire Engine 11 was driving around their service area familiarizing themselves with “first due” buildings when they spotted a large column of smoke near their location.  They promptly responded to the residential neighborhood and found a house on fire at 10105 NE 116^th Ave.  After calling for additional resources, the crew pulled a fire attach line to the rear of the structure and began extinguishing the fire on the exterior of the building.  The next closest engine was able to arrive within 5 minutes and start interior fire operations including fire attach and search of the residence.  Fortunately, none of the 3 residents were home and crews were able to let the 2 family dogs outside without injury.   Quick actions from 1 fire crew and support of 15 additional fire personnel saved a family home from burning down.  The Clark County Fire Marshals Office is investigating the cause.

Vancouver Firefighters Operating At A Ship Loader Fire At The Port Of Vancouver (Photo) -04/02/25

City of Vancouver Firefighters are operating at the Port of Vancouver and have extinguished a fire in a ship loader that transfers grain. Firefighters were called to the Port of Vancouver at 4:30 PM this afternoon for the report of a small grain fire. Firefighters arrived at 1905 NW Harborside Dr to find smoke and fire coming from the ship loader. Vancouver's Fire Boat also responded to the scene and assisted the crews from the Columbia River. Crews are still on scene and have removed the grain from the ship loader for extinguishment. Approximately 30 firefighters were on scene including several crews from CCFD 6. Firefighters safely accessed smoldering grain located within the grain loader by creating additional access points in the elevator to facilitate the controlled removal of grain to the ground. No injuries were reported at the time of this press release. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office.