Crews rescue worker who fell into Washougal wastewater tank that's under construction

Camas-Washougal Fire Department crews on Wednesday rescued a 36-year-old man who had fallen into a tank at the Washougal Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The tank was under construction when the man, an employee for a private contractor working on the site, fell in, according to a news release from the Vancouver Fire Department.

First responders quickly realized specialized rescue resources would be needed and called for assistance from the Southwest Washington Region 4 Technical Rescue Team, which draws from several fire departments, including Vancouver's.

Crews monitored the air, secured access to the tank and provided medical care to the injured man while waiting for the rescue team.

Using cables and ropes, the team was able to raise the man about 25 feet from the tank floor to the roof level. A second rope system then lowered the man down a stairway to a waiting ambulance, where he was taken to a nearby hospital.

Responding agencies also included the Vancouver Fire Department, Clark County Fire District 6, Clark County Fire District 3 and Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue.

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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 5:53 PM.