A fire that started in a detached garage on 23rd Avenue prompted a large response from the Longview Fire Department yesterday afternoon.

Battalion Chief Michael Gorsuch says crews were dispatched just after 1:25 p.m. to the 600 block of 23rd Avenue in the St. Helens neighborhood. Upon arrival, a detached garage was fully involved, with flames extending to a nearby residence, causing major damage.

The home sustained damage to siding, windows, and fencing, and a vehicle on the property was a total loss. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and remained on scene to investigate the cause, which has not yet been reported.

No civilians or firefighters were injured. There were, however, reports of occupants inside who initially refused to evacuate. Estimated damages exceed $200,000.