One firefighter was slightly injured and several others were treated for heat related illnesses during a 5-alarm structure fire on Tues., Aug. 17, 2010, as temperatures in the city soared over 100 degrees on one of the hottest days of the year.
Thick, black smoke filled the air as the burning warehouse, located near one of Yakima’s busiest intersections, caused road closures and snarled traffic for several hours that evening. Firefighters immediately assumed defensive tactics in attempts to control the fire and save neighboring businesses.
Dispatched at 3:25 p.m., crews from throughout the valley were called in to assist with efforts to control the blaze. More than 30 firefighters from multiple agencies assisted City of Yakima firefighters throughout the evening, including by extinguishing spot fires caused by flaming debris blowing onto nearby businesses.
The injured firefighter received second-degree burns to the ears, and he was treated and released from a local hospital. Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire. Damages are estimated at $2 million to the building and its contents, which consisted of mattresses, tables, beds and other furniture.
