Fire Erupts In Cargo Hold Of 656-Foot Break-Bulk Carrier At Port Of Vancouver

A fire broke out inside the cargo hold of a 656-foot break-bulk carrier at the Port of Vancouver on the night of 18 February 2026, prompting a coordinated regional maritime emergency response.

The Vancouver Fire Department dispatched crews shortly after 9 p.m. following reports of smoke and flames coming from shredded metal stored in the vessel’s hold.

The blaze was brought under control in under four hours. No injuries were reported, and all crew members were accounted for.

According to the Vancouver Fire Department, a crew member reported visible smoke and flames from a pile of shredded metal inside an open midship cargo hold. Unloading operations were underway at the time of the incident.

When firefighters arrived, smoke was observed rising from the affected hold.

The vessel’s crew had already activated onboard fire suppression systems and deployed two hose lines to cool adjacent cargo and prevent the fire from spreading.

Fire crews worked alongside the ship’s personnel to access the hold, identify the source of the fire and bring the situation under control.

The Marine Fire Safety Association activated specialised Shipboard Firefighting Technicians from across the Columbia River region.

The association coordinates 14 participating fire departments covering the stretch from Astoria to Vancouver.

Additional support came from Clark Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, Clark County Fire District 6, and Portland Fire & Rescue. Other regional resources remained on standby in their service areas.

In total, 17 fire units responded to the incident.

The vessel was carrying shredded metal, a cargo type known in the maritime industry to require careful handling.

Scrap materials can present fire risks if contaminated with flammable substances or incompatible materials.

Shipboard fires are particularly hazardous due to enclosed cargo holds that can trap heat and smoke, complicating firefighting efforts. Coordinated response between onboard crews and shore-based teams is critical in limiting damage.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.

The Port of Vancouver is a key hub along the Columbia River, handling significant volumes of bulk and break-bulk cargo.

References: clarkcountytoday, spaglaw

Source: Maritime Shipping News