08/20/2026
Busy Week for Warrenton Fire Department Highlights Importance of Fire Safety
The Warrenton Fire Department has experienced a particularly busy seven-day period, responding to multiple significant fires throughout the community and surrounding area. Two of the more serious incidents occurred on August 11 and August 16, 2026, highlighting the importance of working smoke alarms, fire prevention, and strong mutual-aid partnerships.
Fort Stevens State Park RV Fire-
In the early morning hours of August 11, 2026, Warrenton Fire Department was dispatched to the North Loop campground at Fort Stevens State Park for a reported camper fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a 5th-wheel trailer fully involved in fire. The two occupants, who live year-round in the camper, were able to escape just as the fire became fully developed.
The occupants lost their 5th-wheel trailer and its contents, as well as two family pets. The trailer was determined to be a total loss.
Fortunately, the trailer was equipped with working smoke detectors. The occupants reported that the smoke detectors alerted them to the fire, providing them with the warning they needed to escape.
One occupant suffered a minor burn to his hand after reaching back into the burning trailer in an attempt to retrieve his truck keys. He was treated at the scene and declined further medical treatment or evaluation.
The fire also damaged a neighboring camper due to the intense heat. Fire spread from the trailer into surrounding vegetation and pine trees, creating an additional wildfire threat within the campground.
Warrenton firefighters concentrated their efforts on extinguishing the 5th-wheel trailer while firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Camp Rilea/Oregon Military Department focused on the vegetation fire and protecting surrounding exposures. Oregon State Parks personnel also assisted during the incident.
Fire investigators examined the remains of the trailer but were unable to determine the cause of the fire due to the extensive fire damage and condition of the 5th-wheel.
Community Comes Together to Help-
The fire also demonstrated the tremendous sense of community among those staying at Fort Stevens.
Fire Chief Brian Alsbury noted the remarkable number of retired firefighters who were camping in the area and immediately stepped forward to assist the family.
“I told someone that it must be retired firefighter week at Fort Stevens, there were so many retired firefighters stepping up to help this family. It was incredible to watch people who didn't even know this family come together and immediately start helping.”
Many of the retired firefighters who assisted were from the Portland metropolitan area.
Other campers quickly organized to help the displaced family, collecting clothing, food, and a substantial amount of donated money to help them begin dealing with the loss.
Additional assistance came from the Warrenton Volunteer Firefighters Association and Friends of Old Fort Stevens, with both organizations helping provide lodging in Astoria while the family worked through their immediate needs and determined their next steps.
“This incident is a reminder that while firefighters respond to emergencies, it is often the community that helps people begin putting their lives back together afterward,” Chief Alsbury said. “The generosity shown by the campers, retired firefighters, our volunteer organizations, and our neighboring fire agencies was truly exceptional. We are grateful to everyone who stepped up.”
Warrenton Fire Department would also like to recognize and thank the mutual-aid and auto-aid fire departments that provided additional firefighters, water, and coverage for the City of Warrenton while Warrenton crews were committed to the incident.
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Second Structure Fire on SW Cedar Avenue
On August 16, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Warrenton Fire Department responded to the 600 block of SW Cedar Avenue for a reported structure fire with smoke and flames showing.
Upon arrival, Warrenton Fire command staff found a single-family residence with heavy, dark smoke coming from the side and rear of the structure's second floor.
Warrenton firefighters quickly located and extinguished the fire, preventing further spread throughout the residence. Crews then completed salvage and overhaul operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to minimize additional damage to the home and its contents.
The residents were home at the time of the fire. Once again, working smoke alarms played a critical role. The alarms alerted the residents to the fire, allowing them to quickly call 911 and safely exit the residence.
No injuries to the residents were reported.
One Warrenton firefighter sustained a shoulder injury while performing firefighting operations. The firefighter was evaluated, released, and returned to work.
Warrenton Fire Department was assisted at the scene by Warrenton Police Department, Astoria Fire Department, Lewis & Clark Fire, Olney-Walluski Fire, and Medix Ambulance.
Warrenton Fire Department thanks all of the assisting agencies for their response and continued support of our community.
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Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Both of these incidents provide an important reminder of the value of properly functioning smoke alarms.
In both fires, working smoke alarms provided occupants with an early warning that allowed them to escape.
Warrenton Fire Department encourages everyone to check and test their smoke alarms regularly. Smoke alarms should be tested according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the department recommends checking them at least twice a year to ensure they are functioning properly.
Residents should also:
• Replace smoke alarm batteries when needed.
• Replace smoke alarms according to the manufacturer's recommended service life.
• Make sure smoke alarms are installed in the appropriate areas of the home.
• Never disable or remove a working smoke alarm.
For those camping or staying in an RV, make sure smoke alarms are installed and operational. RV fires can become fully developed extremely quickly, leaving occupants with very little time to escape.
These two incidents demonstrate a simple but critical fact: working smoke alarms save lives.
Warrenton Fire Department extends its appreciation to the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, state agencies, retired firefighters, campground visitors, volunteer organizations, and community members who assisted during and after these incidents.
Take a few minutes today to test your smoke alarms. It could be the most important test you perform all year.
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