United States (Washington) - Sparks from a cutting torch are blamed for a blaze that destroyed as many as 70 portable plastic toilet stalls at a storage site and sent a huge plume of black smoke soaring skyward. The fire at Valley Septic's annex on South 11th Avenue, adjacent to the Ahtanum Youth Park, was declared under control within 15 minutes of the arrival of firefighters.

Meanwhile, the smoke from the fire dissipated and the stench from melting plastic and resin was not thought to be pose a danger, officials at the scene said.

The fire was reported at 3:30 p.m. and was caused when sparks from a cutting torch ignited a cottonwood tree that separates the facility from the park, Valley Septic owner Bill Mach said.

Mach estimated damage at upwards of $60,000. The toilets were located outside the office, and several structures at the business appeared to escape damage.

The firefighting effort included crews from Union Gap, Yakima, West Valley, East Valley and the Training Center. No injuries were reported.

Written by Yakima Herald-Republic