Fatality in Tuesday Medical Lake fire

The Medical Lake Fire Department and several other agencies responded to a structure fire within city limits on March 14.

According to Medical Lake Fire Chief Jason Mayfield, the Fire Department responded to a report of smoke at a residence on the 400 block of North Stanley Street at approximately 12:45 a.m.

When crews arrived, they found a heavy amount of smoke and fire at the residence. Fire personnel's attempts to enter the residence were hindered due to the debris and smoke. Mayfield said the inside of the structure was damaged by the smoke.

"It's a complete loss," Mayfield said.

Agencies from Airway Heights, Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane Fire Department, along with Spokane County fire districts 3, 9 and 10 assisted with the scene and cleanup.

Mayfield confirmed there was a fatality of an occupant in the residence. He said the Spokane County Sheriff's Office major crimes detectives arrived to investigate the death. The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office will release the name of the deceased, along with cause of death at a later date. No other injuries were reported.

Mayfield said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

"Fire District 9 is going to be assisting us with the investigation," he added.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.