Investigation into blaze which damaged vacant Ephrata home
Initial report said a person was seen starting a fire in bushes on the property.
EPHRATA — Police are investigating a fire which largely destroyed an unoccupied house in the 1100 block of Yakima Street S.E. Saturday night.
Authorities were notified of the blaze shortly after 11 p.m. by a neighbor to the east, said Ephrata Fire Department deputy chief Anthony Graaff.
No injuries were reported.
The initial report said an individual was seen starting a fire in bushes on the property, said Graaff. Flames then spread across dry landscaping to the vacant residence, which sustained extensive damage that will likely require complete removal of the structure, he said.
The damage cost was estimated at $150,000, but that figure “could be very low for replacement value,” said Graaff.
Ephrata police arrived first and found the front of the home and front yard near an alleyway fully engulfed in flames, according to an EPD report. Officers blocked streets and notified several residences to evacuate. Arriving firefighters kept the fire confined to the one lot.
Ephrata and Grant County Fire District 13 each responded with one engine, a command officer, and a total of 11 firefighters who were on scene until shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
Information was not immediately available regarding property ownership, insurance, and nature of the investigation.
