Flames engulf home at end of 32nd Court in Ridgefield

About 7:20 p.m. Friday, firefighters rushed to a house in flames at 764 N 32nd Court in Ridgefield.

Crews with Clark County Fire & Rescue arrived and radioed that the first and second stories were in flames, according to emergency radio traffic.

Crews were dragging hoses a good distance and commanders called several times for more water.

Residents were out safely.

A firefighter radioed a warning that a deck was about to collapse.

A person who lives there developed high blood pressure and was treated.

In what firefighters call a transitional attack, firefighters first steamed water into the home from outside, to cool some flames, then dragged their hoses inside.

Shortly before 8 p.m., a commander radioed that the firefighters had been working hard and needed fresh replacements.

A commander called for a second alarm. It took firefighters 55 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Battalion Chief Tim Dawdy said the home was attached to another building that’s used for a business that repairs washers and dryers.

More than 20 firefighters, many who relieved tired first crews, saved the business building, but damage to the rear of the house was estimated at $200,000.

The crews came from CCFR, Fire District 6 and Fire District 3, in five engines, a rescue truck and a ladder truck, Dawdy said.

The home is uninhabitable so Red Cross volunteers came to help the family with vouchers for food and a motel room.

No people were reported injured but two pet dogs died, Dawdy said.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation late Friday.

John Branton: 360-735-453 or john.branton@columbian.com.

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