Vancouver triplex fire displaces 7, firefighter hospitalized

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A fire at a Vancouver triplex left seven people displaced and one firefighter hospitalized late Saturday morning.

At around 11:30 a.m., crews from Vancouver Fire Department and Clark County Fire District 6 responded to the 3400 block of Northeast 53rd Street after neighbors reported hearing several explosions and seeing one of the triplex units catch on fire.

Officials said the first firefighters on the scene saw heavy black smoke coming from the front and back doors of the unit. Additionally, heavy fire had extended to the attic by sliding up the side of the apartment.

The fire was designated as second-alarm, prompting support from more engines, trucks and squads, authorities said.

Eventually, the flames were extinguished, preventing further spread to the other two apartments.

Seven people were displaced due to fire damage in the attic.

Further, officials said one firefighter was hospitalized.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshals office.