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Post Falls fire displaces occupants

| March 17, 2018 1:00 AM

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — Seven occupants of a Post Falls home were displaced on Thursday following a garage fire that caused an estimated $10,000 worth of damage to the structure and contents.

No one was at the home at 1235 W. Deschutes Ave. in the Montrose subdivision when the fire was reported at 11:42 a.m.

"The fire origin is not suspicious and believed to be related to a portable heater being used in the space," Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Warren Merritt said. "The garage had been converted to a living space."

Fire crews brought the fire under control in about 15 minutes and, with quick action, contained it to the garage, Merritt said. There was smoke damage throughout the home.

"Units arrived approximately five minutes after the first call and found heavy smoke coming from the garage and the eave of the roof on a split-level home," Merritt said.

A second alarm was called by the officer in charge, bringing another KCFR engine and one from Coeur d'Alene Fire.

"The (KCFR) engines arrived on scene about the same time and quickly advanced a hose line into the residence and into the garage to control the fire," Merritt said. "Firefighters searched the residence and it was determined nobody was home."

Those displaced included three adults and four children.

"All of the occupants have family in the area and did not need additional assistance," Merritt said. "There were no injuries to firefighters or residents."

Merritt said the home is insured and the renters had renter's insurance.

According to county records, the home is owned by the Perrot Family Revocable Trust in California. The rental is overseen by a local management company.

Merritt said portable heaters should only be used when the room is occupied. Items that can burn should always be kept at a safe distance as described in the owner’s manual.