Tri-Cities apartment complex evacuated as fire burns in attic

The Jones Motel apartments across from Fiesta Foods grocery store in Pasco were evacuated Friday evening after a fire broke out.

Pasco firefighters arrived just before 5 p.m. to see smoke coming from the roof of the single-story building on Lewis Street, said Deputy Fire Chief Ed Dunbar.

Firefighters were able to contain the attic fire and limit damage to one apartment, he said.

The former motel has seven units, only 5 of which were occupied on Friday when first responders arrived on scene. Everyone made it out safely and no injuries were reported.

A chaplain was on scene to offer displaced residents help in finding temporary housing.

Traffic was blocked on Lewis Street between South 10th Avenue and North Eighth Avenue as firefighters put out the fire.

The cause of the fire had not been determined Friday evening, but an investigation is planned.

In addition to the Pasco Fire Department, the Kennewick Fire Department and Franklin Fire District 3 responded.

This story was originally published November 26, 2021 at 6:50 PM.