House fire displaces Camas families

The local American Red Cross is helping two families, including four adults, affected by a house fire in Camas that caused extensive smoke and fire damage to an attached garage at a home in 4500 block of Northwest Dahlia Drive around 8:30  a.m. today.

At least 24 firefighters from Camas-Washougal Fire Department, East County Fire and Rescue and Vancouver Fire Department responded to the blaze at 8:36 a.m. When they arrived, firefighters discovered thick, black smoke coming from an attached garage. Firefighters quickly controlled and extinguished the fire. The flames did not penetrate the attached home, and there was no damage to surrounding residences.

Firefighters reported “significant fire and smoke damage to the contents of the garage, including at least one vehicle,” but said the occupants of the home were evacuated with no injuries.

The Red Cross is helping the families meet their basic needs and providing temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and a damage estimate is not currently available.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day. The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call 503-528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/CascadesHomeFire to schedule an appointment.