Post Falls woman dies in house fire

POST FALLS - A Post Falls woman died in a house fire in the 2700 block of Beth Loop early Saturday evening.

Debra Kern, 54, was found deceased in her home when the Post Falls Police Department and Kootenai Fire and Rescue responded to a reported structure fire shortly after 7 p.m. Officers were advised that there was smoke coming from a residence with one possible occupant.

"It looks like the fire may have been started by cigarettes," said Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug. Haug said Kern was oxygen-dependent and evidence showed a deadly combination of lit cigarettes and the oxygen.

Haug said an autopsy has been scheduled because of Kern's medical history.

"She was living at the house with her stepfather, apparently because of her illness," he said.

Responding units found the home on fire when they arrived. The officers were turned back by the fire as they reached the second floor. Fire units from Kootenai Fire and Rescue arrived and found Kern inside, deceased.

According to Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Warren Merritt, the fire was contained in the bedroom (the room of origin) with smoke damage on both floors. Damage to the house was estimated to be between $20,000 and $30,000.

"Sad loss for the community and the neighborhood," Merritt told The Press. "The neighbors were there for a very long time despite the cold night and were very supportive to the family members."

Kern's stepfather, who was not home at the start of the fire, arrived to find the emergency units at the home.

The Post Falls Police Department and Kootenai Fire and Rescue are jointly investigating the fire.