BENTON COUNTY, Wash.–A residential fire in the West Richland area started in a garage, but was contained to the area before spreading to other living areas.
Two occupants left the home safely and told crews there were no cars in the garage, but they did store other items inside, said Ben Shearer, Benton County Fire District #4 Public Information Officer.
Forward progress was stopped around 45 minutes after crews arrived on scene, Shearer said. Most of the damage was contained to the garage, but there might be some smoke damage in the living area.
Electrical items were kept in the garage, so it is not possible for the occupants to stay home, he said. They do have family in the area, as well as an RV, so they do not require additional assistance.
The occupants have three dogs and some cats, and while all of the dogs got out safely, the cats typically spend time in the garage and have not been found, Shearer said.
There is no determined cause for the fire.
