Fire causes about half a million dollars in damage

A fire at an east Vancouver house that critically injured a woman also caused nearly half a million dollars in damage to the building and its contents.

The fire, reported at 3814 N.E. 99th Ave. just after 5 a.m. Sunday, was sparked by a portable heater in the garage, where a woman, described as in her early 20s, was living, according to the Vancouver Fire Department and the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office.

The woman, whose name was not released, was rescued by firefighters and taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center’s burn unit in Portland. Her condition was not available.

The blaze killed two dogs, and displaced nine adults and one child, fire officials said.

About 75 percent of the structure and 50 percent of belongings in the home were damaged by fire, smoke and water, Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli said. The estimated loss was about $456,000, she said.

“With the temperatures dipping down into the below freezing levels, we’re seeing a lot more people pulling out heaters,” Scarpelli said. “While these items are all safe, they need to be used properly.”

She asked that people be mindful of where heaters are used, especially when dogs or kids might be playing nearby.