Inmates start fire at Clark County Jail after disturbance 

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Two inmates reportedly set fire to items within their housing unit at the Clark County Jail after a disturbance took place in the morning hours of Oct. 4. 

A news release from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office stated the incident started when inmates in one of the housing units at the jail became upset with a disciplinary measure and attempted to flood their unit.

While the initial disturbance was quelled, the inmates “continued to act belligerent toward the staff.” At around 12:45 a.m., two men who were identified as Michael C. Dempsey and David N. Trachuk allegedly set fire to items inside the unit.

Smoke filled the unit but corrections deputies were able to put out the flames and safely clear the unit, stated the release. The fire resulted in minor property damage. No inmates or corrections deputies were injured, stated the release.

The corrections deputies requested assistance from enforcement deputies with the investigation. Several suspects were identified and evidence was collected. 



The City of Vancouver fire marshal conducted the cause and origin investigation, while the enforcement deputies interviewed several people, stated the release.

Dempsey and Trachuk were each charged with one count of arson in the first-degree, according to the release. The two were in the Clark County Jail on unrelated charges. 

Their arraignment on the new charges will be determined by the Clark County prosecuting attorney, stated the release. 

The investigation remains open and charges for other inmates are still possible, stated the release.