Medical examiner completes investigation into woman who died in Ridgefield barn fire

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office has completed its investigation into the woman who died in a Southwest Washington fire in early June.

On Friday morning, county officials determined Melissa Adams’ death was caused by smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. The 44-year-old Ridgefield resident was identified as the individual who died in a barn fire, just a few days after it occurred.

Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue responded to the report on Monday, June 3 around 7 a.m. First responders were told a building on 29416 NW 51st Ave. was fully engulfed in flames, which were spreading to an RV in the area.

Witnesses informed firefighters the individual later identified as Adams was still inside the barn. Authorities reported that another resident attempted to enter the building, but was restrained by firefighters who determined their entrance “would have led to certain death.”

The medical examiner said Adams’ manner of death is still undetermined.

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