City of Richland Government

06/05/2026

We would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2026! Whatever this next chapter holds, the City of Richland wishes you all the best. 🥳

06/05/2026

Yesterday afternoon, Richland Fire & Emergency Services responded to a significant structure fire at a residence on Pullen Street. Initial reports indicated that occupants and animals may still have been inside, prompting an immediate response focused on life safety, fire suppression, and protecting neighboring homes. All human life was evacuated safely.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of firefighters, law enforcement, utility providers, and numerous partner agencies from across the region, crews were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to surrounding properties.

We would like to thank the Richland Police Department, Kennewick Fire Department, Pasco Fire Department, Benton County Fire Districts #1 and #4, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Cascade Natural Gas, Benton PUD, Ben Franklin Transit, Garcia Brother Portable Toilets, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Washington, and many others who assisted throughout the incident.

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. At this time, investigators have not determined a cause, and damage estimates are not yet available.

The City shares the community's concern regarding the recent fire and its impacts. Since September 2025, the City has been actively pursuing enforcement actions to address conditions at the property through the legal process. As with all cases, the City is required to follow applicable state and federal laws, including due process requirements and laws governing requests for reasonable accommodation. These legal requirements can affect the timing and manner of enforcement actions. While we do not comment on ongoing legal matters, the City has worked tirelessly on this situation and has been working through the appropriate legal channels to achieve compliance. We remain committed to protecting public safety while respecting the legal rights afforded to all residents. Richland Fire & Emergency Services will take reasonable steps to secure the safety of the scene and the surrounding properties, and the City’s abatement effort will continue.

If you have information that may assist investigators, please contact Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal Andy Sabin at 509-942-7327 or [email protected].

We are grateful for the professionalism, teamwork, and community support demonstrated throughout this response. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

06/04/2026

RFD and RPD are actively responding to the scene- please avoid the area if you can. Updates will be posted as they become available.

06/02/2026

Proud of the folks over at Richland Fire & Emergency Services!

Yesterday we had the honor of unveiling the newest SaveStation at Badger Mountain Community Park, bringing an easy-to-use, voice-guided AED to one of the busiest parks in the area. In the event of a cardiac arrest, the SaveStation can be implemented to issue potentially lifesaving care before emergency response arrives. This is the seventh SaveStation in Richland.

The SaveStation can be located on the restroom facility building right next to the baseball fields.

To learn more about this initiative and find out where other AED's are located throughout our community, visit richlandwa.gov/SaveStation.

06/01/2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Lane Closure at G-Way and Aaron Drive

Motorists are advised of upcoming temporary lane closures at the intersection of South George Washington Way and Aaron Drive as work nears completion on the South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project.

On Tuesday, June 2, and Thursday, June 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., crews will close the northbound left-turn lane from George Washington Way onto Aaron Drive, along with the southbound far-left (center) lane on George Washington Way.

Aaron Drive will remain open during construction. However, drivers traveling northbound on George Washington Way who need to access Aaron Drive should follow the signed detour using Comstock Street and Goethals Drive.

These closures are needed to complete grinding, paving, curb installation, and pavement marking work. Traffic control setup will begin at 8:00 a.m., with construction activities starting around 9:00 a.m.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, expect minor delays, and use caution in the work zone.

The South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as this project wraps up.

06/01/2026

Heads up, Richland: you may see water flowing from fire hydrants around town on June 2–3 as the City conducts planned testing to help update Richland’s Water System Plan.

City water crews and engineering consultants will be working at more than 30 locations throughout the community between 6:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. both days.

During testing, crews will flush hydrants using specialized equipment to measure water flow and system performance. You may notice large volumes of water being discharged. While it may look unusual, this is expected and is an important part of evaluating our water distribution system. Most testing at each location will last five minutes or less.

A few things to know:
• Temporary changes in water pressure may occur nearby
• Some areas may notice temporary water discoloration caused by mineral sediment being stirred up
• Water remains safe to use and drink

If you notice discoloration, run cold water in your bathtub until it clears, then run cold faucets as needed.

Thank you for your patience as we complete this important work to help ensure reliable water service and fire protection for our community.

06/01/2026

Thank you to all employees reaching a milestone anniversary with the City of Richland in June!

05/28/2026

Heads up, we've got some crazy weather on the way! 🌧️

The National Weather Service has forecasted thunderstorms with scattered showers, high winds, and a chance of hail beginning this afternoon.

For more information, visit: https://www.weather.gov/otx/

05/28/2026

Hey Richland, got a minute?⏱️

A new SaveStation AED is being installed at Badger Mountain Community Park. Plus, find out if your neighborhood is in the queue for this year’s Pavement Preservation Program!

Learn more in this edition of Richland in a Minute!