Neighbors, working smoke alarm curb fire

NEWPORT – South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue responded quickly to a structure fire on Third Street in Newport Monday night at approximately 8:27 p.m. and was able to save the home. Neighbors called 911 saying, “smoke filling in house, alarm going off.”

There were no injuries and Chief Shane Stocking credits the neighbors for their fast action, a working fire alarm, and his firefighters responding from the SPOFR/Newport Fire Station.

“South Pend Oreille units were on scene within minutes due to newly established fulltime staffing from the Newport Fire Station,” Stocking said. “A few months ago, this fire may have been a different story, but with the new staffing, SPOFR firefighters were able to make an aggressive attack and limit damage, saving the structure and contents.”

SPOFR Incident Commander Larry Hiebert believes the cause to possibly be electrical, though the fire remains under investigation. SPOFR responded with eight vehicles including fire engines, three tenders, and an ambulance.

“SPOFR will remain of assistance to the affected residents in any way possible,” Stocking says.

SPOFR invites the community to see their new firehouse in Newport Saturday, Nov.30 for its official “grand opening” from noon to 2 p.m. The event is to celebrate the remodeled Newport Firehouse and the first ever full-time fire staffing in the City of Newport. The ribbon cutting will be at noon followed by kids’ activities, a cookie creation station and hot dogs and hot chocolate.

The firehouse is located at 301 2nd St. in Newport. For more information, email [email protected] or call 509-447-5305.