Improperly discarded smoking materials likely cause of apartment fire

Investigators with the Kennewick Fire Department say they're classified the cause of Sunday night's fire at the On The Boulevard apartments in Kennewick as undetermined.

However, Deputy Fire Marshal Captain Brian Ellis says from speaking with the residents, it's likely that smoking materials played a role in the blaze.

"They did have smoking materials that were left in a metal bucket on the deck, but there was no sand or water in the bucket, and there was a cardboard box left on the deck," Ellis said.

The apartment unit had working smoke alarms that alerted the family to the fire, and one of the residents also heard glass breaking at the rear of the apartment and noticed the flames when he went to investigate.

Two adults and three children were able to escape without injury.

Ellis said the fire serves as a reminder about the importance of carrying renter's insurance.

"Renter's insurance is pretty affordable, and it can go a long ways to helping a family to recover from a fire."

Ellis said the family is receiving support from family members and friends in the community.