RICHLAND, Wash. – Fire investigators are still looking into whether a fire that damaged 14 storage units and injured two people was caused by fireworks.
The two injured men, who tried putting out the fire at 179 Reata Road in Richland before firefighters arrived, were transported to hospitals, a City of Richland release said. Their conditions are unknown.
The fire was controlled in 30 minutes, but crews remained at the scene for hours to manage hot spots.
Fireworks activity was reported nearby before the fire, but the cause is still under investigation by the Richland Fire Marshal’s Office.
Richland Fire Chief Tom Huntington expressed concern for the injured, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured in this fire. We wish them strength and a full recovery in the days ahead.”
Richland Fire & Emergency Services thanked Benton County Fire District #1, Kennewick Fire Department, and Pasco Fire Department for their assistance.
They are also compiling data on fire incidents related to Fourth of July activities, with a report to be released soon, the release added.
