Fire burns Kennewick apartment complex, sending residents out into the cold
A Thursday morning fire forced the evacuation of 16 apartments in a low-income Kennewick neighborhood.
Kennewick fire investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze that broke out about 6:30 a.m. in a second floor unit of the Breezeway Apartments on West Bruneau Place, said Fire Chief Chad Michael.
When firefighters arrived they found flames shooting from the doorway and threatening to spread to neighboring apartments.
Everyone inside the apartments was able to escape safely, said Michael.
Two Ben Franklin Transit buses were brought in so residents could stay warm temporarily.
Fire crews checked the apartments for damage before allowing residents back inside. Three apartments cannot be lived in because of damage from the fire and water.
Six people were displaced and the Red Cross is helping them find temporary shelter.
Pasco and Richland fire departments and Benton County Fire District 1 helped fight the fire.
The fire department received reports that several of the apartments didn’t have smoke detectors, according to a release from the fire department.
They plan to work with the residents to make sure smoke alarms are installed in all units.
“The Kennewick Fire Department encourages all citizens to ensure working smoke alarms are inside each bedroom, outside of each sleeping area and on every level of the home,” officials said.
This story was originally published December 31, 2020 at 10:19 AM.