Kids too young to charge in Harrah blaze

HARRAH, Wash. — Three children suspected of being involved in starting a Friday fire that caused $800,000 damage on a Harrah hop ranch are too young to face charges, authorities said.

"It's basically being considered an accidental fire," said Don Linder, the deputy Yakima County fire marshal who investigated the case.

Under Washington law, a suspect must be at least 12 to be prosecuted without a competency hearing.

The fire was reported at Caribou Ranches, in the 6500 block of Progressive Road, shortly before 7 p.m. Friday.

The fire engulfed about 250 tons of hay, a former hop kiln building and another building that had been converted into three apartments for workers.

Nearly 20 residents displaced by the fire were helped by the American Red Cross.

Firefighters initially said a youngster confessed to starting the fire by playing with fireworks inside one of the buildings.

Linder said three children between the ages of 5 and 11 were in the building at the time. They were trying to reignite fireworks that had not discharged earlier.

He said it was unclear whether they were aware the fire had started. It was reported by one of the property owners, who saw smoke while driving by the ranch.

The property was insured, Linder said.

The Caribou Ranches fire was the only major incident investigated by the fire marshal's office over the weekend.