Several tenants displaced after apartment complex fire in Kennewick

By on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

KENNEWICK – Several people are displaced after a fire damaged an apartment complex just after 3 p.m. Friday on the 6800 block of West Kennewick Avenue.

Kennewick Fire Department Chief Chad Michael said initial callers reported a fire in the backyard at this address. Additional information provided before fire crews arrived on scene indicated that a fence located in close proximity to an apartment complex was on fire.

The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes of the first crewโ€™s arrival, containing the primary fire damage to two units. With concerns that the fire may have extended into the attic, crews pulled portions of the ceiling to ensure there was not any hidden fire in the attic or other void spaces.

A few of the apartment units were occupied when the fire occurred, but the occupants were able to self-evacuate before firefighters arrived on scene. No civilians or firefighters sustained any injuries from the fire.

Because power was disconnected to the apartment complex, 15 people will be temporarily displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross is working with each of the occupants to provide temporary shelter and meals to residents as needed.

The specific cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Photo via Kennewick Fire Department