Fire erupts in sandblasting equipment at industrial site south of Kennewick

A fire broke out at the Finley branch of Greenbrier Rail Services on Monday afternoon.

Employees noticed smoke about 12:50 p.m. outside a long building where train cars have paint, rust and other debris sandblasted off, said Jenna Roberts, the Benton County Fire Distrct 1 public information officer.

Firefighters soon discovered the fire was contained to a large collection bin outside the building at the 228919 E. Cochran Road.

Oregon-based The Greenbrier Companies offers rail car repair and maintenance around the world. They also offer logistics support. About 60 people were working at the Finley operation on Monday when the fire started but no one was hurt.

Roberts said the fire burned some paper filters inside the bin, and Benton County and Kennewick fire department crews put out the remaining fire.

Fire burned several filters but Roberts said the building was not damaged and there was only minor damage to the bin.

The cause is being investigated.