CREWS FROM CLARK County Fire District 10 responded to a house fire at 36603 NE Lakeview Dr., in Yacolt, the evening of March 13. The home sustained damage to the building estimated at just more than $330,000.
Crews from Clark County Fire District 10 responded to a house fire at 36603 NE Lakeview Dr., Yacolt, at 6:58 p.m. on Fri., March 13.
Originally dispatched as a brush fire, a neighbor checked into the fire, seen from across a lake, to find the approximately 3,800-square-foot home on fire.
“We could see the column of smoke from three miles away, so we knew it already had a head start on us,” said Battalion Chief Gordon Brooks. “So I immediately called for assistance from Clark County Fire District 13. In all, we had 22 responders on scene, two engines, three tenders and a squad from District 10, and engine and tender from District 13 and an ambulance and battalion chief from North Country EMS. As I got closer, the flames were visible from Gabriel Road through the trees, more than half a mile away.”
The home sustained damage to the building estimated at just more than $330,000 and loss of contents of about $264,000. At this time, the cause is under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshal’s office. No one was home at the time of the fire, but neighbors rescued a dog and cat. Firefighters found another dog in the Master bedroom safe from the fire, but one cat was still missing.
“We were very concerned about the pets, and it was really heartwarming to see the dog looking up at us as we entered the bedroom to retrieve some personal effects for the owner,” Brooks said. “It kind of made everyone feel better about how the night had gone. It was a very long evening for our all volunteer staff.”
Crews were on scene until 12:30 a.m. Saturday.
“There were several neighbors on scene as we arrived, and their help stretching our initial lines made a significant difference in how quickly we could knock the fire down,” said Brooks. “Obviously it’s a huge impact to the home owners, and as local residents ourselves, we appreciate what neighbors can do to help each other.”
Firefighters were able to keep the flames from extending to the attached garage with two cars in it, a basement apartment and a separate detached shop.
