VANCOUVER — Shortly after 2:30 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 15), Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to a reported structure fire at a residence in the 16300 block of NE 99th Street after occupants reported smoke coming from an unknown location within the home.
First-arriving firefighters determined that the fire was located in the basement. After confirming that all occupants had safely evacuated the residence, crews entered the structure and descended the basement stairs to locate and extinguish a fire in the laundry room.
Basement fires can present additional hazards to firefighters because heat and smoke can travel up and out of the same stairwell that crews must use to access the basement. In this incident, firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire before it spread to the structural members of the home, limiting the extent of the damage.
A total of four engines, two trucks, one squad, and two battalion chiefs responded to the incident. Eleven occupants have been displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting the family with their immediate needs.
The Vancouver Fire Department reminds residents that working smoke alarms save lives. Residents are encouraged to ensure smoke alarms are installed throughout their homes, tested regularly, and equipped with working batteries.
Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.
