Duplex occupants escape late-night fire in Bagley Downs neighborhood

Vancouver firefighters late Tuesday night were at the scene of a duplex fire in the area of Falk Road and Gibbons Street, in the Bagley Downs neighborhood near Parsley Community Center.

Firefighters responded about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday. The first one to arrive radioed that flames were visible but there was too much smoke to see exactly what was burning, according to emergency radio traffic monitored at The Columbian.

Firefighters said it was a duplex and, five minutes later, that “all occupants are out of both residences.”

A hydrant was nearby. After a backup safety crew was organized, firefighters went inside and said they found no one. Also, occupants of both units said no one was inside.

Officials blocked traffic on Falk at Gibbons and Plomondon Street as they brought their engines and hoses to the blaze.

Firefighters said just before midnight that it was under control. The fire was confined to the garage and smoke leaked into the living area.

Firefighters then focused on finding and dousing areas where flames might have reached in the building, and watching for flareups.

Minutes later, a firefighter asked for paramedics with an AMR Northwest ambulance crew to check one occupant who had breathing difficulties.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. A preliminary damage estimate came in at $20,000 between the structure and contents.

John Branton: 360-735-4513 or john.branton@columbian.com.