Fire destroys home on Smith Ave in Richland

RICHLAND, Wash. — Firefighters, police and utility workers are on the scene of a fire that destroyed one home in the 500 block of Smith Avenue in Richland.

According to Richland Fire and Emergency Services Battalion Chief James Hempstead, the fire broke out just before 5 p.m., destroying the inside of the home and causing significant damage to vegetation and items in the backyard.

Hempstead said no one was at home when the fire started and no one was injured in the blaze, but the cause is unknown at this time.

Personnel from Richland Fire and Emergency Services, the Pasco Fire Department, Richland Police Department and utility workers responded to the scene.

Hempstead said there was heat damage to power lines, so utility workers briefly shut off power, but it has since been turned back on. The fire is out, but firefighters are still spraying water on the house.