Fire damages unoccupied Hazel Dell home

Firefighters extinguished a blaze at an unoccupied home in south Hazel Dell on Sunday night.

Fire District 6 firefighters were dispatched about 11:36 p.m. to 6324 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., just down the street from Hazel Dell Elementary School.

The fire district and Vancouver Fire Department deployed six rigs to the address. The first crew to arrive found a single-story home with flames near its front door, said Fire District 6 spokesman Dave Schmitke.

Firefighters stretched a hose to the front of the house while others checked the rest of the property. The fire stayed confined near the front door and was extinguished within five minutes, Schmitke said.

Firefighters stayed at the scene for two hours to ensure the fire did not reignite.

“The home appeared abandoned,” Schmitke said. Officials contacted the homeowners, who asked that responders board up the damage as best they could.

Clark County Deputy Fire Marshal Caleb Barnes said the fire appeared to be an accident, possibly caused by discarded cigarettes.