Fire ravages side of duplex in Medical Lake

MEDICAL LAKE- Scalding flames enveloped the front and right side of a duplex on 513 S. Jefferson St. in Medical Lake on Saturday, June 13, leaving much of the building severely charred and damaged.

Eighteen Spokane County Fire District 3 firefighters responded to the call at 3:51 p.m. that day. The fire had started in a couch and began to spread, according to District 3 Deputy Chief Don Crawford.

Firefighters managed to limit the fire to one side of the duplex, Crawford said. However, responders did have to take out part of the duplex's ceiling in order to prevent the fire from causing further damaging.

A pile of burned rubble, including mattresses surrounds the west and south side of the duplex, where most of the damage was caused. Burned entrances, including the front doors and several windows, have been boarded up.

Yellow tape warning "Fire Line-Do Not Cross" now surrounds the once gray/blue but now largely charcoal-colored duplex.

Drew Lawson can be reached at [email protected].