Support sought for victims of Chehalis house fire

May 8-A firefighter and citizen suffered minor injuries Thursday during a residential structure fire in Chehalis, according to a news release from the Chehalis Fire Department.

The department responded to the 1900 block of South Market Boulevard at about noon Thursday.

"Upon arrival, crews confirmed a working fire involving a two-story residential structure," the department stated in the Friday release. "All occupants had safely evacuated the structure prior to fire department arrival, with one civilian sustaining minor injuries."

That civilian jumped from a second-floor window to escape the blaze, according to his sister, Jennifer Hines.

"He separated his shoulder, has a concussion, bruises, and a lot of scratches," Hines said in a GoFundMe page set up to get the family "back on their feet after losing everything."

The Chehalis Fire Department reported aid from Lewis County Fire District 6, the Riverside Fire Authority, Lewis County Fire District 5 and Lewis County Fire District 15.

Crews had the fire under control by about 12:40 p.m.

"Firefighters remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations and searching for hidden hot spots to prevent any rekindle," the department said.

One firefighter reportedly sustained minor injuries during the response.

The department thanked its mutual aid partners for their "assistance and continued teamwork."

"These combined regional efforts are critical to maintaining safe fireground and efficient fireground operations for the Lewis County communities," the department said.

Hines and her family now seek support from the Chehalis community. Hines said her brother doesn't have health insurance, and the family is worried about the cost of medical bills.

"The most important thing is that my parents, siblings, and all of our dogs made it out alive," Hines said.

The family did, however, lose three cats, a parrot and a box turtle, according to Hines.

"Right now we're focused on immediate needs: medical care for my brother, emergency housing, clothes, food, and basic essentials for my family," Hines said. "If you can donate, share, or keep us in your prayers, it means everything. Thank you for helping the Lopez family through this."

As of presstime, the online fundraiser had raised $155 of its $9,000 goal.

Hines said a fire investigator suspects an LED grow light caught curtains on fire within the home, though she said another investigator will be at the site next week.

To contribute to the GoFundMe, visit https://tinyurl.com/fu3sfvbv.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.