VANCOUVER, Wash. – A quiet neighborhood in east Vancouver was jolted Friday afternoon when a hedge fire sent flames soaring into the sky, spreading to a nearby vehicle and a home before firefighters brought it under control.
The Fire
According to the Vancouver Fire Department (VFD), crews were dispatched at around 2:30 p.m. to the 10900 block of N.E. 70th Circle after reports that a section of arborvitae hedge was burning.
By the time firefighters were en route, witnesses said the flames had shot 30 feet into the air. Some neighbors also reported hearing explosions as the blaze intensified and quickly spread to a parked vehicle and one of the homes.
Heat Damage to Neighboring Property
When fire crews arrived, they found the situation escalating. One wall of a neighboring house had begun to melt from the extreme heat. Firefighters immediately worked to cool the structure to prevent the blaze from jumping to additional homes.
Crews also conducted a search of the affected property to make sure no residents were trapped inside. Fortunately, everyone was safely accounted for.
No Injuries, But Residents Displaced
Authorities confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. However, three people and a dog were displaced from their home due to fire damage. The American Red Cross has been contacted to provide temporary assistance.
The Vancouver Fire Department has not yet released information on the cause of the blaze, though investigators are examining how the hedge ignited.
Eyewitness Accounts
Neighbors described the scene as fast-moving and frightening.
“The flames just shot straight up—it was like a wall of fire,” one resident said. “You could feel the heat from across the street. It spread so quickly, we were just glad the fire department got here when they did.”
Others expressed relief that the fire didn’t engulf more of the neighborhood, noting how vulnerable homes can be when large hedges or landscaping catch fire during hot, dry weather.
Fire Department Response
Fire officials praised the quick action of their crews, who managed to stop the fire before it caused wider destruction.
“The flames were intense and already impacting a neighboring property when we arrived,” the department said in a statement. “Our firefighters worked to knock down the fire, protect nearby structures, and ensure no lives were in danger.”
Conclusion
What began as a 10-foot section of burning hedge quickly escalated into a dangerous blaze that damaged two homes and destroyed a vehicle. While the fire displaced several residents, officials say the outcome could have been far worse without the rapid response of Vancouver firefighters.
For now, investigators continue to search for the cause of the fire, while neighbors focus on helping the affected family recover.
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