By Tim Martinez
The Columbian
VANCOUVER, Wash. — A Vancouver resident was hospitalized in critical condition and three firefighters received electrical shocks after a powerline fell on a house Friday near Edgewood Park.
At 9:09 p.m., the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to 616 Ash St. in Vancouver after a report that a downed powerline had started several spot fires, including in an RV.
Firefighters arrived to find one victim unable to move and calling for help. During efforts to reach the victim, three firefighters received electrical shocks from the ground and surrounding structures, which were charged with high voltage.
The victim was moved to an ambulance to receive emergency medical treatment before being taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland in critical condition.
Clark Public Utilities shut off power to the entire neighborhood, allowing firefighters to extinguish the RV fire and a second fire found in the main house.
The three firefighters who received shocks were transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center for treatment. Two firefighters returned to duty, while a third was kept overnight for observation.
The Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.
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