Investigation Continues for 3rd Avenue Fire

An investigation continues today, Monday, December 2nd, into a fire that caused $1 million in damages early Sunday morning, December 1st, in the 100 block of South 3rd Avenue.

Yakima Fire Department (YFD) investigators are today working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to determine if video footage is available of the alley where the fire began.

“We and the ATF are visiting businesses in the immediate area to see if there were cameras recording at the time of the fire,” said Yakima Fire Chief Aaron Markham.

At 4:31 am Sunday, YFD crews were called to the 100 block of South 3rd Avenue, where they found smoke and fire coming from a commercial building. A 3-bay shop on the alley side of the building was fully involved, with the fire extending to the main building.

The fire was extinguished by 9:30 am, Sunday. The initial estimated dollar loss is $1 million. YFD was assisted at the scene by crews from Kittitas Fire and Rescue and the Yakima Training Center Fire Department, as well as the Yakima Police Department.