The cause of a Battle Ground house fire Friday is still under investigation, but it appears to likely be caused by a charcoal grill
A Battle Ground home sustained extensive damage and three people were displaced by a fire Friday evening.
On Friday evening (March 12), firefighters from Clark County Fire District 3 with aid from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue responded to a working structure fire in northwest Battle Ground. Crews arrived to a fully involved house fire. Defensive tactics were immediately implemented to protect adjoining homes and extinguish the fire.
Crews faced difficult fire conditions due to limited access and extreme radiant heat. Firefighters on scene were able to get the fire under control by utilizing Fire District 3’s new ladder truck to deliver water from above the fire.
The fire did cause extensive damage to the 2,200-square-foot home, estimated at over $500,000 in loss to the building and contents. Minor injuries were reported. Three people were displaced by the fire and were provided aid by American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but appears to be accidental in nature, most likely caused by a charcoal grill.
Fire District 3 officials offered several trips to area residents when grilling:
- Keep grill three feet away from siding, deck rails, eaves, and any combustible materials.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill. This will keep kids and pets safe.
- Open your gas grill before lighting.
- Keep an eye on your grill. Don’t walk away from them when they are lit. Have a garden hose or fire extinguisher ready in case of fire.
- Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire.
- Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled.
For more information, visit www.fire3.org.
Information provided by Clark County Fire District 3.
