Fire damages home in Fircrest area

Firefighters respond to a blaze late Wednesday at a home at 1114 N.E. 122nd Ave. (Vancouver Fire Department)

A late-night fire traveled from a shed to a home in the Fircrest area Wednesday, but a teenage girl who was talking on the phone heard crackling noises, saw a glow outside in the back yard and roused her family.

At 11:27 p.m. Wednesday about 20 members of the Vancouver Fire Department rushed to the home at 1114 N.E. 122nd Ave., said Capt. Chris Moen.

When first crews arrived, flames had spread from the shed into the home's eaves and into the attic.

As a result, firefighters had to pull part of the ceiling down so they could send water into the attic.

In the end, the home was moderately damaged and flames hadn't spread to another home nearby, Moen said.

Two adults and five children escaped unharmed. The damage, including from smoke and water, made the home uninhabitable, so the family planned to stay with family or friends, Moen said.
Moen said the fire appears suspicious and will be investigated by the Vancouver Fire Arson Team.

Damage was estimated between $50,000 and $75,000.