The fire started just after 8:30 a.m. at Tri-City Pallets. According to the owner, Evaristo Sanchez, he first noticed the fire in a junk pile and he called 911. Within minutes, he said the yard full of thousands of pallets caught fire.
When fire crews arrived at the scene, they found thousands of pallets had already been engulfed. Sanchez told Apple Valley News Now's Monique Ledesma he estimated 60,000 - 70,000 pallets were destroyed.
There were also some small explosions that could be heard coming from the fire. While some of these noises may have been pallets toppling over, at one point, there was a bright flash and a loud boom could be heard. At this time, it is unknown what may have caused the loud noise to happen.
Several fire agencies responded from all over the Tri-Cities, including - but not limited to - Pasco, Kennewick and Richland Fire Departments, Franklin County Fire District 3, Benton County Fire Districts 1 and 4 as well as Hanford fire crews.
Several small vegetation fires also started near the fire. Pasco Fire Chief Kevin Crowley said this was due to the pallet fire and the wind. Fire crews were able to quickly put out the smaller vegetation fires and stop any structures from being destroyed. Nearby businesses were also hosing off nearby buildings.
According to Sanchez, he said nearby hydrants that fire crews could have used were not working at the time the fire broke out. He also said he does not have insurance and at this point is trying to process what happened to his business.
Several hours after the fire broke out, most of the flames have been put out, however, fire crews said with the amount of debris left, flames could flare up, especially when it comes to wooden pallets.
We will continue to update you with more information as it becomes available.
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