Highlands Grange Park is one of Kennewick’s most popular venues, especially in the summer.
Now, KFD and KPD Say They Know what Started the Building Fire
Late night on August 4th, around 11:52 PM Police and Fire Units responded to the park, located next to the Mid-Columbia Library on South Union Street, and found the restoom building fully engulfed in flames.
After bringing the blaze under control, it was determined the building was badly damaged. Although it’s still standing (made out of cinderblock and decorative rock) the inside was in bad shape, including the electrical and water systems.
The Fire Also Knocked Out the Nearby Spash Pad
Not only is the restroom out of commission for some time, it also shut down the popular spashpad nearby. The pad draws its water and power from the restoom, so it’s also offline.
KPD and KFD investigators learned a large amount of illegal fireworks were set off very close to the building, and they triggered the fire.
The Search for Suspects Continues
Kennewick Police continue to follow leads, and urge anyone in the area of the park to check surveillance cameras for that evening, or allow KPD to view them. Any tips or leads can be reported anonymously by calling Detective Miguel Ayala at 509-585-4208.
NOTE: the park is STILL open, however the restroom and splashpad are closed and roped off, please avoid those areas.
25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?
Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they’ve been left standing.)