2-alarm fire displaces 26 in Maplewood

More than two dozen people were displaced after a second-alarm fire Sunday night in the Maplewood neighborhood.

Crews were dispatched at 7:14 p.m. to 3305 E. 18th St. The fire was causing heavy damage between a two-story duplex and one-story home, Vancouver Fire spokesman Joe Hudson said.

Since a fire station is situated blocks away from where the blaze erupted, crews arrived quickly, Hudson said. The Vancouver Fire Department and Clark County Fire District 6 sent 36 firefighters.

“A thick column of black smoke could be seen throughout the city,” Hudson said.

The first crews hit the fire with water from the outside, Hudson said. After noticing a fire in an attic, and as more help arrived, firefighters entered the residences to check for hot spots.

Only one unit in the duplex was damaged, Hudson said. But the blaze lasted 40 minutes and significantly damaged the house.

“That’s a long time,” Hudson said. “I will say there’s heavy damage.”

While no injuries were reported, at least 26 people have been displaced, Hudson said. The Red Cross arrived on scene to assist those in need of temporary housing.

A stretch of 18th Street east of Norris Road remained closed late Sunday. The Vancouver Fire Marshal is investigating the fire, including its cause and damage estimates.