Arson investigation underway following fire near food bank

By on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – A natural cover fire along the railroad tracks between Washington Park and Blue Mountain Action Council’s Food Bank Distribution Warehouse, 921 West Cherry Street, is being investigated as suspicious. Authorities said the fire was about 40 yards long.

An officer with the Walla Walla Police Department was first to notice the fire while patrolling the area at 2:25 p.m. Tuesday. The officer attempted to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher before firefighters arrived.

“A witness reported two people leaving the area just before seeing smoke,” WWPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Nick Loudermilk said.

A generator belonging to BMAC was burned.

“The generator is not believed to be the cause of the fire,” Loudermilk added. “It is believed the fire was intentionally set.”

The fire is being investigated by WWPD detectives and the Walla Walla Fire Department.

Photo via Blue Mountain Action Council