2 injured as Tri-Cities crews battle two fires at once. Several apartments burned
Two people were injured as firefighting crews from across the Tri-Cities battled a commercial fire and an apartment fire at the same time Tuesday afternoon in Kennewick.
The first fire calls came in just after noon, at a commercial building owned by the Port of Kennewick near Chemical Drive. The property is part of the port’s development complex, which serves as an incubator for small businesses.
Kennewick Fire Chief Chad Michael said that the fire was in a metal building, and by the time crews arrived they saw smoke and the fire was spreading.
They were able to contain the flames to about a third of the building, but Michael said that heavy winds made containment more difficult. No one was hurt.
Firefighting crews are expected to remain on scene through the evening to make sure it doesn’t spark back up.
During a Port of Kennewick meeting later in the afternoon, commissioners were told the building is used by welding businesses and for storage. It’s unclear what caused the fire.
Apartment complex fire
The fire at the Tradewinds Apartments call came in just before 1 p.m.
Michael said they were able to clear crews from the port fire to respond to a quadplex burning near the intersection of South Olympia Street and 10th Avenue.
Michael said because they were only a few miles away, they were able to move crews quickly from one blaze to the other.
He said the quadplex is a complete loss.
Two residents were taken to a local hospital for moderate injuries. One needed treatment for smoke inhalation, the other suffered some burns.
“I think that the big thing is today really reminded me that early notification on both fires was incredibly helpful,” Michael said. “But it was a very challenging day with the wind we had. Crews did a great job.”
Michael said that early detection and reporting is critical, especially on windy days. He encouraged anyone who sees a fire to call for help immediately.
Kennewick fire crews were helped by firefighters from other departments in the area.
