Coroner identifies man in fatal Pullman fire

PULLMAN — A man found in a fatal structure fire on Tuesday, Dec. 31, was identified, Wednesday, Jan. 1.

The Whitman County Coroner Annie Pillars confirmed the identity of the man found in a structure fire Tuesday as Steven Paul Sargent, 60.

According to Pillars, the cause and manner of death are pending and no additional information is available at this time.

Sargent was found deceased when Pullman firefighters responded at 7 a.m. to a small structure fire on College Hill at the 400 block of Northeast Maple Street.

Upon discovery, the investigation was turned over to Pullman Police detectives and Whitman County Coroner Pillars.

Pullman Fire Department spokesman Glenn Johnson reported a neighbor in a nearby apartment building stated she smelled something similar to burning plastic and saw smoke coming from the small structure immediately calling 911.

Pullman Fire Marshal Darren Jones stated fire crews encountered extensive debris in the building, making it difficult for firefighters to force open the door.

Johnson reported crews found a number of discarded cigarettes and electrical extension cords in the building.

The fire was contained shortly after arrival, firefighters kept it from damaging any of the nearby apartment buildings, with one building as close as approximately two feet.

Most apartment units surrounding the structure were not occupied at the time, due to Washington State University winter break.

Reports state Jones was not able to find any evidence the dwelling on Maple Street had the proper occupancy permits to be an approved residence.

According to initial investigations, Sargent was not of college age or connected with the university.

The property owner stated the dwelling was inspected annually by a state agency which provided financial assistance to Sargent, according to reports.

Johnson reported that fire officials stated a power line was connected to a nearby apartment and there was an electric meter attached to the damaged structure.

Firefighters are reported to have found smoke detectors in the building, next to an old home converted into apartment buildings. The electrical extension cords in the structure were not used to power the accessory unit due to the building not having its own electricity meter.

Traffic on Whitman and Malden Lane was diverted for several hours while fire equipment and emergency vehicles were present.

According to reports, Jones was not able to find a specific cause for the blaze, narrowing the spark down to discarded cigarettes or extension cords.