UPDATE: One arrested for arson in WW fire

By on Thursday, June 17th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Police Department has arrested a family member who allegedly purposely lit a fire at the family home on Whitman Street that caused about $18,000 in damage. Fire officials determined the fire to be suspicious, and called WWPD.

The resident of the home told officers that a family member had purposely lit the fire. Police located Hannah Van Donge attempting to scale a backyard fence toward the residence. She was taken into custody without incident. Investigators noted that the fire could have been set after she had an argument with the property owner.

WWPD has submitted charges for first-degree arson against Van Donge, and she has been lodged into the Walla Walla County Jail.

POSTED EARLIER:

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Fire Department responded to reports of an upstairs fire at a residence in the 1200 block of Whitman Street last night (Wednesday). Upon arrival, first responders noticed light smoke, investigated further and discovered a working fire.

Crews were dispatched at 8:31 p.m. and the fire was under control 10 minutes later. No civilians or firefighters were injured in the fire. Estimated property and content losses are at $18,000. Mutual aid was received from Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4.

According to a news release from the city of Walla Walla, there were no working smoke alarms installed at the residence. WWFD reminds everyone that working smoke alarms save lives.