Heat lamp caused barn fire in Battle Ground that killed 14 goats

A barn fire that killed 14 goats was caused by a heat lamp that came into contact with combustible materials, according to the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office.

These types of fires, unfortunately, are typical for this time of year, Assistant Fire Marshal Curtis Eavenson said. The county fire marshal’s office generally investigates four to five such fires during the winter, he said.

Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue was dispatched shortly after 11 p.m. Monday to the 20600 block of Northeast 87th Avenue for a structure fire. The first engine arrived within five minutes.

Firefighters said they saw a large smoke plume nearly a mile away and called for extra units, Chief John Nohr said.

Crews found a 32-by-24-foot barn fully involved and started a defensive attack to protect nearby buildings, he said. The fire was quickly extinguished.

Clark County Fire District 3 and the Vancouver Fire Department assisted, each providing an engine and water tender, Nohr said.

People raising animals should take extra precautions to ensure that their heat lamps are properly secured, Eavenson said. Clip-on heat lamps are the go-to product for many people. Those lamps should be screwed in or affixed more firmly, he said.

“Growing chickens like to jump on 500-watt light bulbs once they’re big enough. It’s the closest heat source and can cause a lot of problems,” Eavenson said.