House burns near Hamilton Park

COLFAX – Two firefighters were injured while fighting a house fire Saturday, Aug. 12, near downtown.

Firefighter Tim Tingley confirmed the injuries Tuesday morning; the names of the firefighters were not immediately released.

According to Tingley, local volunteer fire crews, as well as several volunteer firefighter departments in Whitman County, were called to 611 S. Meadow St. after a fire broke out in the home.

Nobody was home when the fire started, and officials do not yet know the cause of the blaze, he said.

County records show the house was a one-and-a-half story finished single-family residence with six bedrooms, two bathrooms and a concrete foundation.

It is owned by Lauren Jensen, records show.

Jensen could not be reached for comment prior to press time.

The fire burned so hot that crews took a defensive posture. Firefighters were there throughout Saturday night and could still be seen on Sunday putting out hot spots.

Tingley confirmed two firefighters were injured while initially trying to save the home.

A firefighter from Whitman County Fire District No. 12 (Pullman) fell off the ladder while getting to the roof and was injured, he said. He was taken to Whitman County Hospital.

A Colfax firefighter was also taken to the hospital for heat-related issues, both were released the same day, he said.

In addition to local crews, Moscow firefighters were on-scene as were volunteers from District No. 12, Rosalia, Oakesdale, Garfield, Palouse, Diamond, Steptoe and Albion.

"There wasn't as many as requested," Tingley said, "They sent a lot, but not nearly enough."