NEW DETAILS at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 22: Heavy winds are making firefighting efforts difficult near U.S. 395 in the Southridge area, threatening homes near 40th and 41st Avenues.
According to fire officials at the scene, the blaze has grown to roughly 70 acres of natural land. The initial structure where the fire is believed to have started is through its second full hour of burning.
Despite the circumstances, no homes have been damaged and no injuries have been reported up to this point. Although evacuations have been lifted, residents are still being asked to remain inside.
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KENNEWICK, Wash. — A structure fire spread to vegetation located off U.S. 395 near Southridge Blvd, sending large plumes of smoke while threatening nearby homes.
KAPP-KVEW’s Rylee Fitzgerald is at the scene, where a large-scale firefighting response includes crews from across the Kennewick Fire Department and Benton County Fire Districts.
Police are also at the scene to assist with the efforts and aid community members whose homes might be in danger.
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The fire is located close to the Brinkley Industrial Park, eyewitnesses say. Commuters are asked to avoid the area with southbound lanes of U.S. 395 closed to thru traffic.
Chief Lonnie Click of Benton County Fire District No. 1 told KAPP-KVEW that the fire started on Interstate 82 and jumper the highway. The cause of the fire is unclear at this stage. Crews from Walla Walla Fire District No. 5 have also rushed to the scene to assist with fire containment efforts.
This is a developing news story. An update and/or follow-up will be issued if further details are announced.
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