
A family of six were displaced following a brush fire that damaged a Pullman duplex yesterday (Mon).
According to a news release, fire crews arrived at the intersection of NE Hillside Drive and NE Wheatland Drive at 12:30 p.m. where a grass fire pushed by gusting winds of up to 25-mph moved west and threatened several structures. The first unit saw smoke and fire upon arrival and immediately called for a second alarm with more equipment and personnel.
Crews attacked the brush fire while other firefighters worked on suppressing flames at the duplex which had caught fire. Additional assistance was requested and crews from Whitman County Rural 12, 11 and 14, as well as Moscow City and other rural departments responded.
While setting up, a power line fell causing minor damage to an engine on scene. Avista crews arrived and cut power to the line.
The duplex was badly damaged from the fire, while an adjacent duplex sustained some fire and smoke damage. And a third duplex next door to the fire had minor damage. The fire also damaged five vehicles and a boat.
Three people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene but didn’t require hospitalization. No other injuries were reported.
The American Red Cross was notified and is assisting the displaced family with housing.