Firefighters stop blaze from spreading at Vancouver apartment

A two-alarm fire damaged a Vancouver apartment Tuesday evening, but firefighters were able to stop it from spreading throughout the complex.

The fire was reported at 6:07 p.m. at the Apple Knoll Apartments, a 22-unit complex at 5114 N.E. 34th St., near Highway 500 and Stapleton Road.

The complex consists of attached two-story wood-frame apartments arranged in a U-shape, according to county property records.

Vancouver firefighters called a second alarm and quickly began to work, keeping the fire from spreading to the attic and to other units, according to emergency radio traffic monitored by The Columbian. The fire apparently originated on a second-floor balcony.

The flames were knocked down in about 15 minutes, and the fire was declared under control by about 6:40 p.m. No injuries were reported. The cause will be investigated by the Vancouver fire marshal.

Residents from two apartments were displaced, according to the fire department. Two adult males were displaced from the fire apartment and were able to find accommodations with friends. An adult female and her dog were displaced from the apartment below due to damage related to the fire. She was being assisted by the American Red Cross.

The fire department brought six engines and both of its ladder trucks to the fire. Fire District 6 was also called to the scene.