Fire destroys Pend Oreille County home

NEWPORT — Despite concerted efforts by area firefighters, a Pend Oreille County family's home was destroyed in a fire Thursday, Dec. 12.

When South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue crews arrived at the Diamond View Road area of Highway 211 in southern Pend Oreille County shortly after the fire was reported at 8:08 a.m., they found the home engulfed in flames, Rick O'Brien, SPOFR public information officer, said.

Crews initiated an aggressive attack, both inside and outside the home, and "fought valiantly to save the home and various outbuildings and vehicles," O'Brien said.

However, heavy snowfall and icy roads hampered firefighters' efforts and caused many fire apparatus to become stuck or unable to access the scene, he said.

"Even with the challenging conditions, crews were able to keep the fire to the building of origin, though the residence was a near total loss," said O'Brien.

SPOFR responded with two engines, an ambulance, multiple tenders and command staff with upwards of 11 personnel. Also responding to assist South Pend Oreille at the scene with mutual aid assistance were Spokane District 4 and Pend Oreille 4, as well as Pend Oreille County for bringing in sand and clearing a path for the fire equipment.

The family has set up a GoFundMe request at "Fire Relief: Assist James and Deborah Now."

On the crowdsourcing fundraising platform, the couple — Deborah and James Jalving — said their home was destroyed in the fire, as were all of their possessions, including her husband's cardiac medication.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and an investigation is underway to determine how it started.

    A Dec. 12 fire destroyed a single-family home in southern Pend Oreille County, Wash.