The man who died in a structure fire caused by an explosion in Northeast Clark County earlier this month has been identified.
The Clark County Medical Examiner released the name of Melecio Herrera-Viveros, 53, of Vancouver. The medical examiner determined Herrera-Viveros died of burns and likely “inhalation of products of combustion” due to a structure fire “with explosion.”
Clark County Fire District 10 responded to the 2600 block of Northeast Horton Road on April 1 with three of its engines, three water tenders and a number of volunteer firefighters. The department also received aid from Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue and Clark County Fire District 13.
The Clark County Fire Marshal’s office said workers were warming vinyl flooring because of the building’s cold temperatures before they installed it, The Columbian reported. The torch used ignited flammable adhesive, which caused an explosion.
The fire marshal’s office told The Columbian the building had been vacant for a while before the recent renovations. About $75,000 worth of damage was estimated.
Fire District 10 stated it was the second fatal fire they responded to this year.
