LEWISTON, ID – The Lewiston Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 800 block of Preston Avenue at about 3 p.m. Tuesday after callers reported smoke coming from all sides of a house and were unsure if anyone was inside.

Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from multiple sides of the building. Firefighters attacked the blaze from several locations, and a crew went to the roof to perform vertical ventilation.

Once the fire was brought under control, crews searched the home and determined no occupants were inside at the time of the fire. However, multiple pets perished. Firefighters continued checking for extension and hotspots, as the fire had spread throughout the entire first floor.

The Lewiston Fire Department responded with three structural engines, three ambulances, four chief officers, and a total of 19 personnel. Asotin County Fire District #1 assisted under the valley auto aid agreement, providing one engine and one chief officer.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage to the structure is estimated at $350,000, with an additional $100,000 in content loss.

The homeowners arrived shortly after and were informed of the fire and loss of their pets. No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported.