Priest River fire claims two

PRIEST RIVER — An investigation is underway in connection to a Priest River structure fire which claimed the lives of two people this past weekend.

Priest River Police Chief Drew McLain said officers were called to the West Beardmore Avenue trailer at 1:16 a.m. on Sunday for a reported structure fire. When officers arrived, the trailer was fully engulfed.

West Pend Oreille Fire crews and, assisted by Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 4, put out the fire.

The remains of two people were found in the trailer, McLain said.

Due to the deaths of two people, the Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office was called in to investigate the fire. In addition, the Bonner County Coroner's Office arrived to conduct an investigation as well, the police chief said.

The police department, in conjunction with Bonner County Coroner Robert Beers, are working to positively identify the victims.

McLain said the Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting his department in investigating the cause and origin of the fire.