Yakima Fire Department (YFD) crews responded to a residential structure fire in the 7000 block of Englewood Avenue yesterday, Monday. YFD was called to the scene at approximately 2:15 pm on Monday, April 4th. The two occupants of the house were able to evacuate on their own without injury.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries due to ceiling material falling and striking him in the helmet. He was evaluated and remained working on scene.
The first YFD crew arrived and found fire coming from the roof of a single-family home. Additional crews arrived shortly thereafter and a coordinated interior and exterior attack on the attic fire began.
There were extreme fire conditions due to severe wind conditions. The fire quickly spread through the attic. Working together, crews were able to surround the attic fire and keep it from burning the entire structure, or spreading to neighboring residences. The center of the roof collapsed into the interior, and there was significant water damage throughout the building.
Due to wind-driven fire activity, a Second Alarm was called to bring in additional fire crews from around the valley to assist with the fire. West Valley, East Valley, Selah and the Yakima Training Center all sent an Engine Company. The Yakima Training Center sent an additional Command Officer.
Crews remained on scene for approximately four hours. A total of 40 firefighters responded to the Englewood Avenue fire.
During this fire, another fire was reported at the 1600 block of South 3rd Avenue. Crews were released from the Englewood Avenue fire scene to respond to the 16th Avenue fire, which turned out to be smoke from a barbecue.
The Englewood Avenue fire was caused by an ember from the wood stove chimney landing on wood shakes of the home’s roof. The occupants were assisted by neighbors until family members arrived. The Red Cross was called to assist as needed.
The estimated dollar loss is $200,000.