Crews battle house fire in Camas

Emergency crews from the Camas-Washougal Fire Department battled a house fire today at 1524 S.E. Seventh Ave., near the Camas Community Center.

According to Fire Chief Nick Swinhart, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a report of an “appliance fire” was called in. On arrival, crews found a two-story single family dwelling with fire showing from the entire first floor and spreading to the second floor.

“A quick attack to extinguish the fire was made through the windows of the structure until more support staff and equipment could arrive,” a news release stated. “Once they were on scene, crews were able to fully extinguish the fire.”

Neighbors Alvin and Tracy Owens said they were getting ready to leave to run errands when they noticed flames coming out of the house’s first floor east window. Alvin called 911.

“I had to look twice,” Tracy said. “At first I thought it was smoke from a chimney. I saw there wasn’t one. That’s when I turned around and said ‘the house is on fire.'”

The homeowners were not inside when the fire started. There were no injuries, but several pets are still missing.

According to Clark County property records, the 1,066 square foot house is owned by Thomas and Maria Drinkwater. It was originally built in 1925.

The house is considered a total loss. The cause is currently under investigation.