WWFD reports 19 fires were likely caused by fireworks
By Terry Murry on Friday, July 7th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Fireworks are suspected of causing a total of 19 fires within Walla Walla’s city limits between Saturday and Wednesday, causing an estimated total of $187,670 in property damage.
Walla Walla Fire Department Chief John Knowles said firefighters responded to everything from a yard on fire, to five separate tree fires, and several fires involving bushes, brush, and grass. WWFD also responded to two residential structure fires.
The first residential structure fire was on Tuesday just after 4 a.m. on the 200 block of West Birch Street. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming from the back of a single-story residence. Investigators determined the cause to be improper disposal of firework debris placed too close to the structure. Estimated property damage to the home is $5,000.
The second residential structure fire was on Tuesday just after 9 p.m. on the 500 block of South Second Avenue. When firefighters arrived, they found a fire coming from the side of a single-story residence that spread to an adjacent property. Estimated property damage for both properties is $175,000. Fireworks are suspected to be the cause of the fire.
WWFD states that no injuries were reported at any of the fires.
