At approximately 0941 on January 6th, South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue was alerted to a residential structure fire off Highway 2 near Coyote Trail. SPOFR units and mutual aid responded and found a well involved structure with reports of one possibly trapped. SPOFR’s first two staffed engines arrived on scene six and nine minutes after dispatch and initiated an aggressive interior attack and search. Fire progress was stopped and contained to area of origin due to the combined efforts of a coordinated fire attack and massive mutual aid and volunteer response. Unfortunately, as fire suppression activities made progress, the body of a single subject was found deceased near the area of origin. The subject has not been identified at this time and the investigation is ongoing with local and federal partners. SPOFR chaplains responded to provide support for neighbors and first responders alike. SPOFR response: 3 Engines, 2 Tenders, 2 Command. Mutual Aid partners included West Pend Oreille (ID) Fire, Pend Oreille Districts 2 and 4, Spokane County District 4.
Please direct all questions to SPOFR Fire Chief Stocking as this is a sensitive and ongoing investigation.
Shane G Stocking
Fire Chief
South Pend Oreille Fire Rescue
325272 Highway 2, Newport, WA 99156
Office: (509) 447-5305
Cell: (509) 589-0880
Public Information Officer
SPOFR
