House fire in Moscow displaces family, leaves 2 cats dead

MOSCOW, Idaho — A family of three along with two pets are displaced after a house fire in Moscow on Sunday morning. 

The Moscow Fire Department (MFD) responded to the fire around 5:30 a.m. near 800 Conestoga Street. MFD says fire personnel observed heavy smoke from the rear of the building, with lighter smoke visible at the front. 

Firefighters quickly entered the building to attack the fire from inside and located the fire in the basement, which had spread to the first floor. Crews faced additional challenges from cold temperatures and slick conditions during firefighting efforts. Once the fire was under control, teams transitioned to salvage and overhaul operations. 

An initial investigation suggests the fire may have started in the basement, near the furnace room. The investigation is ongoing. 

At the time of the fire, two adults and one child were home. They were alerted by a functioning smoke detector and safely escaped. MFD says one person suffered minor smoke inhalation but declined transport to the hospital. 

Two cats died in the fire, and another cat and one dog were rescued by fire crews. The dog was transported to the Washington State University Vet Hospital for treatment. 

MFS says the home sustained significant damage and is considered a total loss. The family is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. 

While responding to the scene, a Moscow fire engine was involved in a minor accident due to slick conditions. MFD says the engine slid through an intersection and into a residential yard and struck a small tree. No injuries we reported and the engine sustained minimal damage.

The fire department removed the broken tree limbs and will be working with the owner of the property for any further damage to the yard once conditions improve.