KENNEWICK, Wash. — UPDATE 6 P.M.: The Level 3 Evacuation has been lifted. Those who are compromised should continue to shelter in place due to smoke.
BCFD1 said the fire is expected to continue to smolder overnight.
UPDATE 5 P.M.: BCFD1 said people who have evacuated their homes can go to the American Red Cross on 7202 West Deschutes Avenue in Kennewick.
The Level 3 evacuation is still in place for the same areas listed below. There is also a shelter in place issued for those who have compromised respiratory systems for those in the area south of Game Farm Road to 397/Chemical Drive, due to the amount of smoke in the air.
UPDATE 4 P.M.: BCFD1 still has a Level 3 Evacuation in place for Bowles Road, South Finley Road and Piert Road.
Part of the building has collapsed and there is extensive damage to the warehouse.
According to BCFD1, the evacuation also includes people trying to walk or ride bikes in the area. The blaze and the heat have caused heat or fire tornados which are unpredictable and dangerous for people passing by. They are also asking people to stop flying drones in the area.
BCFD1 also said the flames from the warehouse have spread to nearby grass and have started several vegetation fires.
Fire officials said aerial support has not been called in but isn’t off the list of possibilities.
Fire crews will be out on the scene for several hours and possibly overnight, BCFD1 and other fire crews are asking people to stay out of the area until evacuations are lifted.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
UPDATE 3 P.M.: Adjacent trees to the warehouse appear to be on fire, threatening nearby houses.
Several regional fire agencies are battling a massive warehouse fire in Kennewick.
Fire officials have issued a Level 3 Evacuation (GO NOW) for The area immediately surrounding Lineage Logistics by Piert Road and South Finley Road.
The call for help came in just after 5 a.m. Sunday at Lineage Logistics located at 224905 East Bowles Road in Kennewick.
Benton County Fire District #1 responded to the call and said smoke was reported to be coming from a large freezer bay.
BCFD1 said they were able to get it under control but frozen mist in the air made it difficult for firefighters to locate the blaze.
It’s unknown at this time what caused the blaze to get out of control.
Some of the fire agencies include Richland Fire & Emergency Services, Franklin County Fire District 3, and Benton County Sheriff’s deputies are helping guide traffic.
Apple Valley News Now has a crew on scene and neighbors have told us their worry is the ammonia from the freezers and fridges and propane tanks exploding.
BCFD1 said the ammonia is contained to the burning building but there is still traceable amounts at the scene.
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