KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | Pullman Apartment Fire Caused By Cigarette

KHQ.COM - Pullman fire prevention officer Rich Dragoo said the fire Sunday evening at the Pioneer Hill Apartments was caused by a cigarette left on a couch.

Dragoo said after spending time searching for evidence in the apartment unit at SE 405 Jordan Road and talking to individuals he determined that a smoldering cigarette was the culprit.  He said the fire started in the couch and then it spread to the walls in the living room.

Pullman's fire investigator said the fire was first spotted the residents that lived directly above unit 4 and they called 911.  Dragoo said he was told that the residents got water and carried buckets to the apartment help put out the blaze and they later used a fire extinguisher.  He said they managed to get about 80 percent of the fire handled before the first fire crew entered the apartment.

Dragoo said most of the damage was in the living room area but there was heat damage throughout the apartment.  He said he would need to consult with the occupant and the insurance company before placing a dollar figure on the damage.