At approximately 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 9 a fire was reported at the City of Washougal Water Maintenance Shop building located at 2247 Main Street. The Camas-Washougal Fire Department worked to extinguish the fire and secure the site. There were no workers present at the time of the incident and no injuries to report. “We want to assure the public that the structure fire has had no impacts to the public water system and that there will be no disruption of service as a result of this event. Our water system is operating as normal,” says Trevor Evers, Public Works Director. The building is utilized to secure utility maintenance vehicles and store equipment, tools and parts for the water system. At this time, officials are investigating the cause of the fire.
Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal Ron Schumacher stated, “Upon gaining entry we found heavy smoke in the building with a small amount of fire. It took around twenty minutes for fire crews to knock down the fire and evacuate the smoke.” The damage that occurred was to the structure and contents within the facility.
The initial assessment of damage and losses from the fire indicate that the Shop Building will require extensive repair and that multiple vehicles, various tools, equipment and parts will need to be repaired or replaced. All properties are insured by Washington Cities Insurance Authority, a municipal organization of Washington public entities joined together for the purpose of providing liability and property financial protection to its members. During the time of repair the Maintenance Shop Building will not be able to serve its intended function and other arrangements will be necessary. As a result, the City is reviewing options on alternative facilities until the existing building can be repaired or replaced.
A resolution declaring a local emergency and authorizing emergency procurements was approved by City Council on Monday, December 11. Washougal Municipal Code 2.48.070 provides for the Council to declare an emergency in the event an emergency results in the damage to property to such an extent as to require extraordinary and immediate measures to protect the public health, safety and welfare. The declaration will remain in effect until terminated by the Mayor when order is restored. Mayor Guard explained that “this declaration allows us to make expedient and timely procurements for the contracts, equipment, tools and parts necessary to maintain services in our water system, and the ultimate repair or replacement of the building and equipment to return everything to normal status.” The Mayor also expressed his gratefulness to the Fire Department and City staff who responded to the scene Saturday, who have been working on this issue since, and the insurance claims adjusters for their efforts to ensure the uninterrupted provision of water services in the community.
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Contact: Trevor Evers, Public Works Director (360) 835-2662, x202