Family displaced by McKinley Avenue fire

Jan. 20--YAKIMA, Wash. -- Quick action by Yakima firefighters prevented fire from spreading in a McKinley Avenue home Friday morning.

At least five fire trucks responded to the single-story structure at 1301 McKinley Avenue about 8:30 a.m. About a dozen firefighters climbed a ladder and used a chain saw to cut into the gabled roof to reach the fire, while others entered through the front door.

A couple and their four children renting the home were not there at the time of the fire, Norton said.

After dropping the children at school, the adults returned to find what they thought was steam coming from the roof. When they realized they were actually seeing smoke, they called to report the fire, she said.

"They're gonna need a whole new roof," said Norton, who explained that cutting into the top of the house actually minimized additional property damage and helped the firefighters to extinguish the flames.

The single-story 1,122 square-foot home was originally built in 1910, according to records kept by the Yakima County Assessor's Office.

The home underwent improvements following its purchase in 2015.

Norton said the owners were on site and were working with their insurance company and the family to fully assess the damage.

The family was displaced as a result of the fire and was expected to be assisted by members of the American Red Cross in Yakima, Norton said.

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