Dark smoke could be seen from around Southwest Washington

Dark smoke from a shop fire in Vancouver caught the eye of area residents Thursday afternoon.

On Thursday (June 2) at about 4 p.m., Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (9-1-1 dispatch center) started receiving several calls about dark smoke in the area of Andresen and Padden Parkway. The Vancouver Fire Department along with Clark County Fire District 6 and Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue responded to the area. 

The initial fire engine arrived in approximately four minutes to 8503 NE 80^th Ave. to find a large shop on fire that was also torching multiple large trees. Crews immediately started to pull fire hose to gain access to the fire however, they were hampered by downed power lines, multiple vehicles that were on the property and lack of water.  

Due to the size and heat of the fire, the nearby house also became involved. Crews worked feverishly to control the spread of the fire and were able to make a stop saving a portion of the home however, the shop was a total loss. 

Together, there were 12 fire apparatus along with approximately 30 fire department personnel on scene. There was also one firefighter transported to the hospital for evaluation. None of the occupants of the home were injured and the Clark County Fire Marshal’s office is still investigating the cause. 

Information provided by Vancouver Fire Department.