Family dog saved from garage fire in Woodland

A family dog was exposed to smoke but rescued by first responders from a garage fire Sunday in Woodland.

Clark County Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched at 7:19 p.m. to a report of a fire at 169 Marty Loop.

The first crew, from the Woodland station, arrived at the house in six minutes, according to a news release from the fire agency. The crew found heavy fire burning in the garage and flames spreading up the exterior walls and into the attic through the eaves.

Callers told dispatchers that ammunition or fireworks were exploding in the garage, and firefighters could hear the small explosions when they arrived on scene, the agency said.

The blaze was initially attacked from the outside as more crews were needed to search the house. The homeowners, who were out of the house when responders arrived, said their pet dog was still inside.

“Woodland Police (Sgt.) Rob Lipp convinced the homeowners to wait outside until firefighters could safely conduct a search. Firefighters searching the house found the dog in an upstairs room and brought it out to the homeowners,” the news release says. 

The dog, the homeowners and firefighters were not injured.

A sturdy door between the house and garage prevented the fire from spreading into the home. The fire agency noted that safety codes call for such a door with a 20-minute rating, which means it can be exposed to fire conditions for that amount of time before failing.

However, smoke pushed into the living space and caused smoke-related damage throughout the house. Crews said smoke detectors were sounding inside when they arrived. The damage to the garage can be repaired, and the smoke damage can be cleaned, officials said.

The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.

Firefighters stayed on scene for several hours to help clean up and assist investigators.

Crews with Clark County Fire District 6 and Cowlitz County Fire District 1 helped during the fire. A total of six engines, one ladder truck, two chief officers and two investigators responded to the scene.

Clark County Fire & Rescue has provided fire suppression and emergency medical services to Woodland since 2013 through an interlocal contract. On Aug. 4, residents in Woodland, as well as Clark County Fire & Rescue, will vote on the annexation of Woodland into the fire agency.

Source: https://www.columbian.com