Fire damages hospice patient’s home

Vancouver firefighters helped evacuate a hospice patient from a home in the Sunnyside neighborhood Friday before smothering a small fire that originated in the fireplace and chimney.

The fire call came in at 9:38 a.m. and crews arrived at 10507 N.E. 112th Place six minutes later.

Kevin Stromberg, a Vancouver Fire Department spokesman, said firefighters saw “wispy smoke” emerging from where the chimney meets the structure.

Firefighters removed siding from the home’s walls to gain access to the fire.

The blaze was under control at 9:58 a.m.

There were no injuries.

“He’s not being transported to the hospital,” said Stromberg of the adult male in hospice care. The man was allowed to return to the home later Friday.

A fire marshal estimated damage to the structure and contents at $12,500.

Stromberg said the home did not have working smoke detectors. Firefighters installed some after tending to the fire.

The residents were burning a fire in an open fire place when the smell of smoke spurred them to call 911, Stromberg said.