Goldendale Fire Department
PRESS RELEASE
“Café Genevieve’s”
S Columbus Ave & Court St
Goldendale, WA
April 1, 2024
23:15 Hrs.
At approximately 11:15 pm on April 1, 2024, the Klickitat County Emergency Communications Center received the initial report of a possible structure fire at the Café Genevieve’s located at the intersection of S Columbus Ave and E Court St. The Goldendale Fire Department was immediately paged for a structure fire. KCEMS Goldendale Medic, Rural 7 Fire Department, and Centerville Fire Department were also paged under the three districts mutual response agreement.
Goldendale Police Officers as well as Klickitat County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived first on scene closing traffic to the immediate area. Goldendale Fire, Engine 6113, Engine 6111, Air-Van 6124 were the first to arrive facilitating an immediate offensive attack.
Incident Command was able to have the main progression of the fire knocked down within a short period of time. The overhaul period, finding all the hot spots, extinguishing the spread of the fire proved more difficult extending the work efforts well in the morning hours. The fire extended through the walls and ceiling but was contained to the southside of the building. Smoke extended throughout the building.
Goldendale Fire Chief Noah Halm stated, “At the time that first units arrived, the conditions of the fire were set for a flashover.” This is a condition in which the interior of the building reaches maximum temperature, in which the contents ignite across the entire building. Chief Halm credits the quick-fire extinguishment on the quick response from fire engine crews who arrived on scene within 6 minutes of call being paged by our 911 Dispatcher.
The cause of the fire has not been determined at this time.
Goldendale Fire Department would like to extend our gratitude to our supporting agencies for their response today. Klickitat County Emergency Medical Services, Rural 7 Fire, Centerville Fire Department, Goldendale Police Department, Klickitat Public Utility District, Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management 911, Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office, Avista and Goldendale City Public Works.
Goldendale Fire Department would also like to thank residents Mike and his partner, who arrived at the scene and provided refreshments and coffee to our crews through the night. They set up a table next to the air van/rehab vehicle, when asked and thanked for his generosity, Mike simply stated he was up, he heard the call and knew our crews would have a long night ahead and this was a way he thought he could help.
Goldendale Fire Department has volunteer spots available, “there is a job for everyone willing to help”. The Goldendale firefighter’s association has available volunteer positions for Fire Corps members who can help with non-emergency tasks. Contact GFD at 509-773-4240 or visit Makemeafirefighter.org for more information.