Early morning commercial fire forces evacuations in Richland

RICHLAND, Washington — Firefighters battled an early morning commercial building fire near a local 7-Eleven on Wright Avenue, forcing the precautionary evacuation of nearby apartment residents, authorities said.

Richland fire crews responded around 3 a.m. to the plaza located at 415 Wright Ave., where a blaze broke out in an unoccupied section of the structure. A clerk at the neighboring 7-Eleven alerted authorities after juveniles reported seeing smoke rising from the building.

As flames expanded and threatened adjacent apartment units, Richland police officers assisted firefighters in quickly evacuating residents from their homes. No injuries to people or animals were reported in the incident.

Crews contained the blaze in about an hour and a half, but the affected structure sustained extensive fire and water damage.

The multi-agency emergency response drew firefighters from Benton County Fire District 4, the Kennewick Fire Department, and the Pasco Fire Department to assist Richland Fire and Emergency Services. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the West Richland Police Department also provided scene security and traffic control while emergency crews worked in the roadway.

Early morning traffic in the area was briefly delayed while first responders secured the scene and protected fire apparatus positioned in the street. Authorities expressed gratitude to neighboring agencies and residents for their cooperation during the emergency response.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Photo courtesy Richland Police Department

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