KFD: Train suspected of sparking three fires in Kennewick Saturday
KENNEWICK, Wash. -- Kennewick fire officials said three fires were started Saturday due to a train passing through.
Fire crews responded to the call for help just after 3 p.m. Saturday, July 13; The first call was in the area of Canal Drive and Fisher Street for a report of a wildfire. Officials said more calls came in for another fire in the same area that could be threatening nearby homes.
Officials said they requested additional units after receiving the second call to help fight the blaze. Fire agencies who assisted include Benton County Fire District 1 and representatives from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.
According to officials, when fire crews arrived to the fire in the area of Canal Drive and Fisher Street there was around two acres of dry brush that was on fire. The fire was located between the railroad and Canal Drive. Fire crews said they were able to stop the spread of this fire quickly by using hose lines to douse the area with water.
Fire officials said when crews arrived to the second call, in the area of Arthur Street and Canal Drive, fire crews were able to control this fire quickly.
According to fire officials, the third fire was in the area of Deschutes Avenue and Quay Street. Benton County Fire District 1 was able to put out the flames without additional assistance.
According to officials, crews had a suspicion that a train caused the fire and called for the train to be stopped to prevent more fires from igniting.
Fire officials said all three blazes were considered to be under control within 34 minutes of the first engine arriving on scene. Fire crews stayed on scene to mop up hotspots.
No one was hurt.