Renters escape house fire

POST FALLS — A fire destroyed most of the contents of a home in the Post Falls area early Friday morning.

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue responded to the home at 5705 W. Prairie Ave. at 4:52 a.m.

When firefighters arrived, two occupants had escaped the home and one was attempting to break a window to rescue a third occupant.

"Later, it was determined that the other person had left the home earlier in the morning," KCFR Chief Warren Merritt said.

A second alarm was called to bring additional resources to the scene to search for the missing occupant. That crew was released after the search was completed.

The fire appears to be accidental, Merritt said.

"The investigation revealed that there were two camping lanterns and there may have been a candle burning in the area where the fire started," he said. "However, the candle could not be confirmed during the investigation and overhaul process."

Merritt said the fire at the 1,600-square-foot home was extinguished in about 10 minutes.

"Firefighters’ quick action knocked down the fire and the contents of the house have been severely damaged by fire and smoke," he said.

The home is insured but the occupants did not have renter's insurance on the contents, Merritt said.

Power to the home was being provided by a generator. The home had working carbon monoxide detection, but did not appear to have a working smoke detector, Merritt said.

"The occupant indicated he was awoken by the carbon monoxide detector," he said.

Two occupants have been displaced and they are being assisted by Red Cross. In addition, the occupants have been helped with funds from the International Association of Firefighters Local 2856 KCFR Firefighters Benevolent Fund to meet some immediate needs.

KCFR received mutual aid assistance from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department.

There were no injuries to firefighters or the occupants.

KCFR reminds people that burning candles should never be left unattended. Homes should also have a working smoke detector on each floor and a carbon monoxide detector installed.