KENNEWICK, Wash. – A passing train likely caused fires that threatened homes in Kennewick on July 13, according to the Kennewick Fire Department.
Chief Chad Michael said fire crews responded to three fires near the train tracks at around 3 p.m.: the first, near the 3000 block of West Canal Drive, a second near North Arthur Street, and a third near the intersection of North Quay Street and West Deschutes Avenue. Officials stopped the train as they put out the fires.
Before the Fourth of July, the Benton County Fire Marshal declared the fire danger in the county as “very high.” Under very high fire conditions fires can start easily from all causes and could spread fast and flames should be long and intense making control and mop-up difficult.
Crews from around the area had the fires contained by 3:45 p.m. with no injuries and no damage to homes nearby.
