ASOTIN, WA — Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to two overnight fires Monday morning in Asotin and Lewiston, with no injuries reported in either incident.
According to Asotin County Fire District #1, crews were first dispatched just after midnight to a house fire in the 800 block of First Street in Asotin.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the garage of the home. Neighbors helped alert the sleeping family inside, allowing everyone to safely escape before crews reached the scene.
Firefighters from Asotin County Fire District #1, Clarkston Fire Department, Lewiston Fire Department and Wheatland Fire Protection District responded through an automatic aid agreement to assist at the fire.
Crews were able to contain the blaze to the garage, which sustained heavy damage. Investigators believe the fire may have started from a heat lamp being used in a chicken coop near the back of the garage.
A second fire was reported at approximately 3:08 a.m. in the alley of the 200 block of 14th Ave. in Lewiston. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames coming from a detached garage, with the fire spreading to nearby vehicles and hedges.
The Lewiston Fire Department said crews were able to quickly stop the fire from spreading to neighboring properties and the nearby residence. The department responded with three structural engines, three medic units and one chief officer, totaling 15 personnel. Clarkston Fire, Asotin County Fire District No. 1 and the City of Asotin also assisted through an automatic aid agreement.
Officials said no firefighters or civilians were injured. The cause of the Lewiston fire remains under investigation, with damage estimated at approximately $50,000.
