Late-night house fire prompts pet rescue effort

Just before 9 p.m. Tuesday (April 14), crews from Vancouver Fire and Clark County Fire District 3 were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 9304 NE 227th Avenue.

A resident called 9-1-1 to report a rapidly developing kitchen fire, forcing the family to evacuate the home. While units were enroute, dispatchers relayed critical information that multiple pets remained trapped inside the burning structure.

First-arriving crews were met with heavy smoke conditions and immediately initiated an aggressive interior attack. Firefighters entered the smoke-filled home to bring the fire under control while simultaneously conducting a primary search for the missing animals.

During the search, firefighters located and rescued two dogs and two cats from inside the residence. All four animals were quickly removed from the structure, and crews began emergency resuscitation efforts on scene.

Despite the rapid response and lifesaving efforts of personnel, three of the animals succumbed. One dog was successfully revived and survived.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.