Families displaced in Benton City fire Thursday

Two families were displaced by a fire Thursday night in Benton City.

Firefighters responded about 6 p.m. to 1280 Hazel Ave., and found one side of a duplex engulfed in flames, said Capt. Scott Hawley of Benton County Fire District No. 2.

All of the occupants got out safely, Hawley said. One person was taken to a hospital for a non-fire-related injury. It took about 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

The cause is under investigation, Hawley said.

The two families lost everything, but have found temporary housing in the community, Hawley said. Residents offered clothes and other items to help them get by.

“The community really came together,” Hawley said.

About 25 to 30 emergency personnel assisted from Benton County fire districts Nos. 2 and 4, West Benton Fire and Rescue, and the Richland Fire Department, Hawley said.

This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 10:18 PM with the headline "Families displaced in Benton City fire Thursday."