Couple forced into cold after fire starts in West Richland garage

A husband, wife and their dogs were forced into the cold in West Richland early Friday after a fire started in their home.

The couple were at the home about 8:20 a.m. on the 1200 block of Broadview Street when they heard noises coming from their garage. Then one of their dogs began barking at the garage door, and they saw flames spreading, said Ben Shearer, Benton County Fire 4’s public information officer.

They scooped up their dogs, got out of the house and called 911.

Fire District 4 crews responded along with firefighters from Richland, Benton County Fire District 1 and Franklin County Fire District 3.

Firefighters were able to keep most of the damage to the garage, but it’s likely going to take a while to fix the home’s electrical system. They won’t be able to move back in until the repairs are finished.

Three cats who spend time in the garage haven’t been found yet.

The couple’s adult children live in the area and are helping them with a place to live, he said.

While investigators haven’t confirmed the cause, space heaters in the garage may have sparked the fire, Shearer said.

He pointed out that space heaters need space around them, and people should make sure the surrounding area is clear.

“You’ve got to make sure that nothing can get pushed up against them,” he said. “It’s cold outside, but you want to make sure that your house doesn’t become the next victim.”