A large-scale regional response was launched Tuesday night after a fire broke out aboard a break bulk cargo vessel at the Port of Vancouver USA. The Vancouver Fire Department responded to reports of smoke and flames shortly after 9:00 p.m., with the fire traced to a pile of shredded metal inside a midship cargo hold of the 656-foot vessel.

Given the elevated risks associated with shipboard fires, the incident was quickly upgraded, prompting activation of the Marine Fire Safety Association’s regional Shipboard Firefighting Task Force, which includes 14 departments along the Columbia River. Fire crews worked alongside the ship’s personnel, who had already engaged onboard suppression systems to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent cargo. In total, 17 units responded, including mutual aid partners from Clark Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, Clark County Fire District 6, and Portland Fire & Rescue.

The fire was stabilized and brought under control within four hours. All crew members were accounted for, and no injuries were reported. Officials credited the coordinated response involving the U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities, and regional fire agencies for preventing further damage or escalation.