Post Falls fire requires outside investigators

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff writer

POST FALLS — A fire

inside an outbuilding on the north side of Post Falls this morning

has prompted the need for outside agencies to be called upon to

investigate. 

The fire just east of

the intersection of Idaho and Prairie, reported by a passerby at

5:48 a.m., was contained to the inside of the building. There were

no injuries.

"There's enough in

question as far as a cause for us to bring in outside resources to

assist with the investigation," said Jim Lyon, Kootenai County Fire

and Rescue spokesman. 

Spokane Valley Fire

and their dog that assists with investigations was called upon,

along with the state fire marshal. 

After the initial

investigation, Lyon wouldn't go as far as calling the fire

suspicious because a cause or point of origin haven't been

determined.

There were no people

or animals in the building when the fire was reported, Lyon

said. 

Lyon said the fire

caused damage to the kitchen area, flooring and walls. There was

also smoke damage throughout, including to couches. Firefighters

said it appeared the building was being remodeled.

"The fire was

extinguished pretty quickly, and structurally the building is still

sound," Lyon said. "It was pretty sparsely furnished."

Lyon said there was

no vehicles or any other large items of significant value in the

single-story building with metal siding that's approximately

50-by-75 feet.

No other structures

were threatened, including a home about 150 feet away.

Coeur d'Alene Fire

and Northern Lakes assisted.

An investigation

continues.