Fire District 3 firefighters rescue elderly couple and pets from burning home

Firefighters were responding to a separate medical call at the time

BATTLE GROUND — On Tuesday (June 10) evening, Clark County Fire District 3 firefighters executed a rescue during a residential fire in a manufactured home community in southwest Battle Ground — while simultaneously responding to a separate medical emergency just across the street.

Crews were inside a nearby home providing care to a patient when they heard frantic cries for help. Looking outside, they saw smoke and flames coming from a neighboring residence, with an elderly man leaning from a bedroom window calling for assistance.

Without hesitation, the team divided their resources. Some remained with the medical patient, while others transitioned immediately into rescue operations.

Following the nationally recognized “two-in, one-out” safety protocol, firefighters entered the smoke-filled structure and quickly discovered a second occupant — an elderly woman—still trapped inside. Despite intense fire conditions and limited visibility, crews successfully removed both residents and transferred them to AMR teams for emergency medical care. AMR personnel were instrumental in assisting with both the rescue and immediate treatment of the victims.

In total, three individuals were transported to local hospitals:

– Patient 1 (from the original medical call): injuries unrelated to the fire
– Patient 2: treated for smoke inhalation
– Patient 3: treated for smoke inhalation and second- to third-degree burns

Firefighters also rescued two dogs from the structure and successfully revived both once brought outside.

Thanks to the rapid and coordinated response, the fire was knocked down quickly and contained primarily to a single room. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and Fire District 3 continues to monitor the conditions of all patients.

“The outcome last night could have been very different,” said Fire District 3 Chief Chris Drone. “Because of the resources made possible by our community’s support, lives—and pets — were saved.”

This life-saving operation underscores the critical importance of our three-person engine staffing — a standard we will soon be able to maintain consistently thanks to the voter-approved levy lid lift passed last year. Under Washington State law, interior rescue operations are prohibited unless at least three firefighters are on scene — two to enter and one to remain outside. Without that staffing level, this rescue would not have been officially allowed.

Clark County Fire District 3 extends its deep appreciation to:

– AMR for their vital assistance in patient care, rescue support, and hospital transport
– Battle Ground Police Department for securing the scene, managing traffic and bystanders, and assisting with evacuations to protect both civilians and firefighters

“We are profoundly grateful to the residents of our community. Your investment in public safety continues to make a real and measurable difference,’’ read a news release from Fire District 3.

Information provided by Clark County Fire District 3.