‘Preventable’ Vancouver fire caused by smoking materials

Vancouver’s Fire Marshal determined a Wednesday house fire in the Marrion neighborhood was caused by improper use of smoking materials and deemed it preventable.

Vancouver firefighters were dispatched to the single-family home at 820 N.E. 101st Court about 6:19 a.m.

Vancouver Fire spokesman Kevin Stromberg said arriving firefighters found a man in the driveway suffering from smoke inhalation.

Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli said in an email Thursday that two people were in the home when the fire started: homeowner Edward Freitas, and Ronald Hughes. Both men were outside the home when firefighters arrived. They were both taken to a local hospital.

Freitas told KATU News that his stepson suffered burns. He also said a passer-by called for help once they made it out of the home.

The fire started in the bedroom where Hughes was sleeping, Scarpelli said, adding the fire started due to improper use of smoking materials in the bed.

“This fire is deemed as a preventable fire,” Scarpelli said.

The fire affected 80 percent of the home, causing damage totaling $180,450, according to the fire marshal.

The home has since been secured, she said.