Asotin residents and pets safely escape late-night house fire

ASOTIN, Wash. — Two residents of Asotin narrowly escaped a fire that engulfed their home late Wednesday night. The fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. at their manufactured home on Costly Lane, near the city limits.

Awakened by a noise, the residents discovered smoke and flames in a hallway. Firefighters from the City of Asotin Fire Department and Asotin County Fire District #1 responded swiftly, bringing the blaze under control within about 10 minutes.

Firefighters managed to rescue three cats and two dogs from the smoke-filled home. Asotin County Fire District medical crews administered oxygen to all the pets, and the homeowners took them to a veterinarian for further evaluation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remained undetermined as of Wednesday night. However, Chief Noel Hardin said the fire originated on the back porch, then spread up the exterior wall into the roof and attic, and through the walls near the exterior door. “The fire had been burning a while on the exterior of the home before it was noticed,” Hardin said.

Firefighters remained on the scene until 2 a.m. to check for hot spots. The home sustained extensive fire and smoke damage. The displaced residents are staying with family members.