Two Woodland residents lost their home Thursday in a fire started by hot coals in their outdoor garbage bins, said Max Konkright, Clark County Fire and Rescue battalion chief.
The fire in the 100 block of Wallace Road started just before 4 p.m., Konkright said. About 20 firefighters from Cowlitz District 1, Kalama District 5 and Clark County Fire and Rescue responded to put it out.
Konkright said the fire was started by coals from a wood stove, which were put in the garbage before they were cool.
“If we can take anything away from this...it would be that it’s always a good idea to clean out your stove and make sure the coals are cold to the touch before you place them in a receptacle outside,” Konkright said.
Red Cross was on scene to take care of the couple Thursday evening, and their family plans to take them in on Friday, Konkright said. He did not release the name of the residents.