Fire severely damages Vancouver duplex

May 02-- May 2--A fire severely damaged a three-story duplex in the North Image neighborhood Wednesday morning.

Fire crews were dispatched around 8:22 a.m. to 5801 N.E. 135th Ave. for the report of a structure fire, according to a Vancouver Fire Department news release.

When the initial engine arrived, firefighters spotted flames coming out of the home's third floor.

The residents were awoken by smoke alarms and their dogs. Lead Deputy Vancouver Fire Marshal Chad Lawry said the occupants were outside when firefighters arrived at the scene.

It is unclear if any of them were injured and suffered smoke inhalation from the available reports, Lawry said. Assistance from the Red Cross was requested, he said.

The building is a three-story townhome duplex, and the unit where the fire originated is about 2,520 square feet with a garage on its first level, according to the fire department.

It took five engines, one truck and two battalion chiefs to get the fire under control, Lawry said.

There was heavy fire damage to the third floor of the duplex and significant water damage on its second floor, the fire department said. Officials estimate the fire caused $145,150 of damage.

Lawry said the structure is repairable despite the damage.

The residents were renting the duplex, and they did have renters insurance, according to the fire department.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

___

(c)2019 The Columbian (Vancouver, Wash.)

Visit The Columbian (Vancouver, Wash.) at www.columbian.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.