Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Fire Displaces Family of Six
PULLMAN — A grass fire aided by 25 mph winds damaged two Pullman’s College Hill structures yesterday afternoon. The fire displaced a family of six and had firefighters treating three residents for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters were called around 12:30 p.m. to the NE Hillside Drive and NE Wheatland Drive intersection, where a grass fire threatened several structures.
As the first fire unit approached, they could see the smoke and fire and immediately called for a second alarm for more equipment and personnel.
As the crews arrived, they started addressing brush fires. In contrast, other firefighters began fighting the fire with the duplex fully involved with flames.
Fire officers knew the strong winds were threatening other structures. They called for additional help from Whitman County Rural 12, 11, and 14 and firefighters from Moscow City and Rural Departments.
While firefighters set up the fire engine to pour water on the structure, an overhead power line landed on the engine, throwing sparks and causing minor damage. No firefighters were injured, and Avista crews responded to cut off power to the line. However, the engine continued to function normally.
In addition to the one duplex damaged by fire and water, the adjacent duplex also sustained some fire and smoke damage.
A duplex on Hillside Drive next to the fire appeared to have received some heat damage, but residents were allowed to return.
The fire also damaged five vehicles and a boat.
Firefighters treated three area residents on the scene for smoke inhalation. Still, none needed to be transported to Pullman Regional Hospital.
The American Red Cross was notified and is assisting one family with housing.
After interviewing several witnesses, Pullman fire marshal Darren Jones said the fire started in the brush area west of the building and, with the strong winds, rapidly spread to the duplex. Jones reports that how the fire started is still under investigation.
The amount of damage is pending review by the insurance companies.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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