Investigation ongoing into Evans Fruit Co. fire
Investigation ongoing into Evans Fruit Co. fire
Information continues to be gathered to determine exactly what caused a fire that destroyed the Evans Fruit Co. packing plant near Tieton, WA. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms "and the Tieton Police Department are investigating the fire," Tieton Police Chief Jeffrey Ketchum told The Produce News April 28.
Chief Ketchum said the fire was reported at 12:40 a.m. April 24. As it happens, the 911 call was placed by a radio dispatcher who works for the Tieton Police Department. Over 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and they worked over four hours to control the blaze.
The building contained stacks of flattened boxes used to ship apples. The boxes fueled the fire, and the facility roof collapsed 34 minutes after firefighters arrived.
Tieton Fire Chief Gary Weaver indicated there were no injuries resulting from the fire. The radio dispatcher who reported the blaze apparently saw two individuals running from the scene.
Chief Ketchum said that the extent of actual damages, including structural and apple losses, has not been determined, but he did place the figure between $1 million and $5 million.
The facility employed approximately 100 people.
Chief Ketchum said the fire was reported at 12:40 a.m. April 24. As it happens, the 911 call was placed by a radio dispatcher who works for the Tieton Police Department. Over 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and they worked over four hours to control the blaze.
The building contained stacks of flattened boxes used to ship apples. The boxes fueled the fire, and the facility roof collapsed 34 minutes after firefighters arrived.
Tieton Fire Chief Gary Weaver indicated there were no injuries resulting from the fire. The radio dispatcher who reported the blaze apparently saw two individuals running from the scene.
Chief Ketchum said that the extent of actual damages, including structural and apple losses, has not been determined, but he did place the figure between $1 million and $5 million.
The facility employed approximately 100 people.