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@VanFirePIO
Firefighters in Vancouver quickly knocked down a fire with limited access and no available fire hydrants. At 440 AM Sunday morning Vancouver Firefighters were dispatched to 11034 NE 94th ave after a resident called 911 and said her second story was on fire. This was an attached structure to a large rural house. The first fire engine arrived within 7 minutes and found smoke coming from the windows on the second floor. Crews stretched a fire attack handline through the front door and up to the second story where they had zero visibility due to smoke being all the way down to the floor. They were able to knockdown the fire within minutes and then spray water out of a window to "hydraulically ventilate" the space and improve visibility. Hydraulic ventilation pressurizes an environment and forces smoke out of the opening. Initial arriving crews anticipated having no available hydrants so they brought a water tender apparatus that carries 1800 gallons. The home was difficult to access due to being down a long and narrow asphalt driveway. Truck crews had to park far away and carry heavy ladders and equipment up to the scene.
Two civilians were able to safely evacuate the home but required EMS evaluation by AMR due to smoke inhalation. Those parties refused transport to the hospital. No other injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. Red cross was not needed. The Vancouver Fire Chaplain responded to the scene. The Clark County Fire Marshall Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
(Pictures included)