Soap Lake family loses home to fire

SOAP LAKE — The home of a Soap Lake family is considered a loss following a damaging fire which engulfed the house at 723 S. Aster Friday afternoon.

Michael Cline, a Soap Lake Police reserve officer and employee of the Multi Agency Communications Center, and his wife were not at home when the fire started. Their teenage son and other younger children were able to run to a neighbors' home to call 911. The call was placed at 4:26 p.m. Friday.

Grant County Fire District 7, Soap Lake Fire Department and Ephrata Fire Department responded and had the fire under control by 4:57 p.m. when mop-up operations began.

According to Grant County Fire Marshall Ray Audet, the fire is believed to be electrical in nature and originated in a bedroom closet containing numerous electronic devices and a television. The fire is still under investigation.

Damage to the structure alone is estimated at $33,600. However, Audet said that because of the damage to exterior and interior walls and the roof the havome is considered a loss. Smoke and heat damage to the home's contents were substantial.

No one was injured in the fire, but Audet said the family did lose a pet parrot in the blaze.

The family was able to retain some clothing items after the fire and did not request Red Cross assistance. The home is insured.

Fund-raising efforts are in progress on behalf of the Cline family. Those wishing to help may contact Sgt. Jim Dorris at the Soap Lake Police Department.