Two adults and three children safely escaped with minor injuries after their house was engulfed in flames around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, in Ridgefield.
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue (CCFR) and mutual aid both responded to a residential structure fire at roughly 3 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at 2255 S. 29th Court in Ridgefield.
The homeowner reported waking up to the sound of glass breaking in the office area of a residence and discovered a fire had engulfed the exterior of the residence and underneath the office area, a news release by CCFR stated.
CCFR’s Truck 21 (T21) arrived at 3:19 a.m. after a 10-minute response time due to the distance from the nearest fire station. T21 initiated a “quick hit” fire attack while establishing a water supply and called for additional resources, the release stated.
Battalion 21 (BC21) assumed command of the incident upon arrival. T21 continued with the initial offensive fire attack and conducted a primary search, confirming that all occupants were out. Three cats were unaccounted for, per the release.
As the fire grew, portions of the roof began to collapse, and it was determined that the fire had spread to the attic. Crews then transitioned to a defensive fire attack, which meant fighting the fire from outside the structure, the release stated.
“Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue commends the homeowners for their quick action in recognizing the hazardous condition and evacuating their family, ensuring their safety and enabling responding crews to focus on fire suppression,” according to the release. “CCFR would like to remind citizens that working smoke alarms are critical equipment and should be maintained yearly and replaced after 10 years. If you are looking to build a new home, please consider installing a fire sprinkler system. Contact us for more information on home fire safety.”
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue is proposing a fire levy lid lift on the Aug. 6 primary election ballot. Should it pass, portions of the $0.24 per $1000 levy lid lift would fund the construction of a new fire station in south Ridgefield on the property CCFR currently owns just half a mile from the house fire on Tuesday, July 16. A new station would significantly reduce response times for apparatus in the southern Ridgefield area, enhancing the safety and service for the community, the release stated.
The family is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross, the release stated. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office. It was not reported if the house was a total loss as a result of the fire.
Resources included at the July 16 house fire:
Five fire engines
One ladder truck
Three chief officers
Three fire investigators
One AMR ambulance
Three Ridgefield Police Department units
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