Donation account created for Benton City family caught in fire

A dad and two children burned in a fire Monday morning can use the community’s help.

Sergio Hernandez and his son, 10, and daughter, 7, remain in Harborview Medical Center in Seattle being treated for burns.

The fire started in the Appaloosa Lane manufactured home at 7 a.m. Monday morning. Hernandez, who was working in the nearby vineyard, ran back to the home, broke through a window and pulled the children out of the house.

The three remained Wednesday in critical condition. They were responding to treatments, and the young girl, who received the worst injuries, is scheduled for surgery today, according to family members.

A Columbia Bank donation account was created for the family. People can either go to a Columbia Bank or call 877-272-3678 to donate. Branches are located at 4725 Road 68 in Pasco and 139 Gage Boulevard in Richland. They can reference account number 1102734711. The special account is protected from fraudulent activity.

Family members pointed out the account was the only way to guarantee the money will make it to the family.

Investigators from Benton County Fire District 4 and the sheriff’s office are working to determine the cause of the fire and where it started, but it appears to be accidental, said district Capt. Ed Dunbar.

He expects to have a better idea about where the fire started by Thursday or Friday.

This story was originally published August 2, 2017 at 4:42 PM with the headline "Donation account created for Benton City family caught in fire."