Massive fire in cold storage facility prompts evacuations from toxic smoke

Emergency responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency services personnel, are currently on scene in Finley, Washington, actively combatting a significant three-alarm fire at a cold storage facility warehouse plant where chemicals are stored. The cold storage warehouse, responsible for storing items such as frozen vegetables, spans more than 500,000 square feet. Additionally, hundreds of wood pallets are stored on the backside of the building.

Residents in a part of Finley received urgent instructions to evacuate their homes and businesses immediately on Sunday afternoon as thick black smoke engulfed the neighborhood, carried by the wind from the fire at Lineage Logistics.

The fire was first reported around 5:15 a.m. on Sunday in a freezer at the Lineage Logistics cold storage facility located at 224905 E. Bowles Road, Kennewick, according to Kochenauer. All personnel evacuated the premises upon hearing the alarm and activation of the sprinkler system.

A level 3 evacuation order has been issued within a one-mile radius from the site due to the heavy, thick black hazardous smoke emanating from the cold storage facility, visible for miles around.

The evacuation zone spans south of East Bowles Road, from approximately Piert Road near the Columbia River, extending west to near Finley Road. An evacuation center was promptly established by the American Red Cross at 7202 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, on Sunday evening. However, the evacuation order was lifted around 6 p.m. The Red Cross estimated that approximately 65 individuals residing in 25 houses were instructed to evacuate.

Furthermore, a shelter-in-place directive has been issued for the affected area.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office has announced road closures in the vicinity, including Piert Road from Lechelt Road to Bowles Road, and Bowles Road from Lechelt Road to Finley Road.

At present, the cause of the fire remains unknown. This situation is still unfolding, with investigations ongoing.

Source: (Tri-City Herald)

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Incident Number

1-240421-6401

Alert Type

Public Safety Alert

Incident Type

Major Fire

Incident Occurred

April 21 2024

Alert Posted

April 21 2024

Location

Finley, Washington

END OF ALERT