Family escapes Kennewick apartment fire

A Kennewick family escaped their burning second-floor apartment early Saturday morning, thanks to an alert neighbor.

The neighbor saw the fire in an apartment at 720 N. Arthur St. and called 911 at 5:22 a.m., according to the Kennewick Fire Department.

The fire apparently started in a flower pot next to the front door, with flames that extended into the attic area.

Purchased potting soil is usually a paper product and can catch fire if flower pots are used as an ash tray or are placed near a barbecue grill. However, the cause of the Saturday morning fire remains under investigation, according to the fire department.

The family is working with management of the apartment for a place to live while repairs are made. The fire damaged the area near the front door of the apartment and repairs are needed to the walls, electrical system and ceiling.

This story was originally published September 17, 2016 at 1:18 PM with the headline "Family escapes Kennewick apartment fire."