Two fires damage Lower Yakima Valley homes

Two families were displaced Saturday afternoon when their homes caught on fire.

One fire was reported at 3 p.m. at 1401 E. Wine Country Road in Grandview. According to a news release, the blaze began in dry grass in the back of the property, and because of excessive vegetation, quickly spread to the house.

The fire caused exten-sive damage to the exterior walls and attic, and there was water damage throughout the building. Damage is estimated at $8,000. No one was injured, and the two adults living in the home are being assisted by the Red Cross.

Fire officials suspect fireworks may have caused the blaze, although the official cause is still undetermined. No injuries were reported.

The second fire was reported at 3:03 p.m. at 321 S. Division St. in Toppenish. Five people were home at the time of the blaze, but they all escaped unharmed, said Toppenish Fire Chief Tim Smith. The family is being aided by the Red Cross.

The fire, which was under control by 3:20 p.m.,
was caused by illegal fire-
works, Smith said. It caused an estimated $40,000 damage to the house, $5,000 damage to a shed, and another $5,000 to a neighbor's fence and vehicle.

One person, whose name was not released, was arrested for inter-fering with efforts to extinguish the fire. This person was not related to the family, Smith said.

At least two dogs were rescued from the blaze, and charges may be filed against the homeowners, who had about $100 worth of fireworks inside the home, Smith said.

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