New Year’s Day fire engulfs Kennewick hillside house

A home in south Kennewick was heavily damaged by fire Saturday afternoon, sending billowing black smoke across the frigid winter skyline.

Kennewick fire crews were called about 3:15 p.m. to a home at 4605 S. Ledbetter St. on a hillside south of the Canyon Lakes neighborhood.

A shed or gazebo was on fire in the backyard and by the time firefighters arrived less than 10 minutes later the flames had spread to the house and into the attic, said Fire Chief Chad Michael.

Crews were challenged by below-freezing temperatures hovering in the teens.

“Great work done by KFD, Benton County Fire District 1, and the Pasco Fire Department to get this fire extinguished quickly under very challenging conditions,” tweeted Michael.

Benton County District 2 crews also were dispatched.

“Fire crews were able to place water on the fire from the exterior of the home in order to help keep the fire from spreading until sufficient crews arrived on scene to transition to attacking the fire from the inside of the house,” he said in a news release.

The fire was controlled within 15 minutes of crews arriving but two dogs died in the house.

Michael said the cold temperatures can cause problems for firefighters maintaining core body temperature and increasing the hazards from slipping and falling.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire officials wanted to remind people to use additional caution during extreme cold weather, including:

• Being cautious with space heaters
• Practicing candle safety
• Ensuring chimneys are properly maintained
• Ensuring working smoke detectors are in place

This story was originally published January 1, 2022 at 6:12 PM.