Yakima Fire Department Fire Investigators have determined a recent house fire, in the 5000 block of Scenic Drive, to be caused by fireworks. YFD Investigators have ruled out any other cause of ignition based on their investigation.
Fire crews responded to a reported roof fire in the late evening of August 7th, 2013. One firefighter was injured by falling debris in the basement during fire suppression efforts. The injured firefighter was transported by ambulance to the local hospital. He was treated and released hours after he was admitted. The firefighter is expected to be back to work this week, pending no further physical injuries or complications caused by the ceiling material collapse.
This fire caused significant damage to the home. The owners/occupants were out of town at the time of the fire. The house was later determined to be “uninhabitable” by the Yakima Code Enforcement Division, as a result of the fire and water damage sustained to the house.
The Yakima Fire Department would again like to remind city residents that the use or discharge of fireworks is illegal in the City of Yakima. If anyone sees or hears fireworks being discharged in streets or neighborhoods, please notify the authorities immediately.
There has been a fireworks ban in place in the City of Yakima since 1992.
If anyone has any information on the person or persons responsible for this fire, please contact the Yakima Fire Department at (509) 575 – 6060.
Scenic House Fire – News Release
Captain Thomas A. Schneider – Public Education Officer
(509) 576 – 6353