Pullman house damaged in Friday fire

PULLMAN - A family home was damaged by fire on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 9.

Pullman firefighters responded to the call at approximately 4 p.m. at the single-family home located at 425 Northwest Darrow Street.

According to a report by Pullman Fire District Public Information Officer, Glenn Johnson, firefighters saw smoke pouring from the broken windows on the second floor and immediately called in a second alarm for additional personnel.

Assistant Chief Ryan Scharnhorst reported that Pullman crews were able to attack the fire from the back of the residence through the windows allowing additional crews to approach the fire from the front.

According to reports, firefighters from Whitman County Rural District 12 responded to the second alarm, but were diverted to handle city calls, a fire alarm near the Washington State University campus and a medical call.

Scharnhorst estimated 40 percent of the structure was damaged by fire upstairs, including a kitchen, living room and bedroom.

Scharnhorst reported additional water damage to the lower floor.

A building inspector on scene reported that the home could not be occupied and Pullman Police officers contacted the owner, who was out of town.

Officers reported the owner was the sole occupant and was scheduled to return to Pullman on Aug. 10.

Reports say off-duty Pullman firefighter, trained in fire investigation, Pat Fitzgerald, was called in to help determine the cause.

The estimate of damage is pending.