Two major fires within days keep firefighters busy

WALLA WALLA – It has been an extremely busy time for the Walla Walla Fire Department with two major fires just days apart. First, a residential structure fire last week and the second, a commercial fire over the weekend.

Last Thursday, at 4:38 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a treadmill on fire at 317 Chase Avenue. The fire was quickly upgraded to a working structure fire as visible flames and smoke were coming from the side of a two-story multi-family residential house when firefighters arrived on scene.

The fire appeared to have started near a storage shed and then caught the house on fire. All occupants were able to evacuate safely as no injuries were reported. Damage is estimated at $27,500.
Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4 was also dispatched as part of a mutual-aid agreement.

Then on Sunday, just after 2 a.m., the Walla Walla Fire Department was dispatched to Kelty’s Auto Parts, 250 West Rees Avenue to a car on fire.

After assessing the property, firefighters found a stacked pile of vehicles on fire. Although no structures were threatened, additional stacked vehicles nearby were at risk.

Due to the complexity of reaching all the confined spaces within the multiple vehicles, Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4 and College Place Fire Department were also dispatched as part of a mutual aid agreement.

Approximately 50 to 60 salvaged cars were involved. There were no injuries involved. The cause of the fire is undetermined. The estimated property and content losses are valued at $25,000.

Photo of Sunday’s fire at Kelty’s Auto Parts

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Elkhorn Media Group

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