Fire destroys portion of Moses Lake duplex

MOSES LAKE - Nobody was injured in a fire Monday morning in Moses Lake that left half of a duplex severely damaged.

About 7:45 a.m., Moses Lake firefighters responded to a structure fire, first reported as a fourplex on fire, at 1045 West Lakeside Drive near McCosh Park.

Fire Chief Tom Taylor, who was first on scene, said there was heavy smoke and flames coming from the back of the duplex facing the lake. The two men living in the front portion of the duplex were able to make it out before firefighters arrived, Taylor said.

Unsure if anyone was inside the back portion, Taylor said firefighters made three searches inside but they did not find anyone. The tenant is reportedly in the process of moving and was not staying at the home during the fire, Taylor said.

The fire also caused damage to an outside deck and spread to shrubs underneath.

The front half of the duplex appeared undamaged.

Taylor said it will be difficult to determine the fire's cause because of extensive damage to the residence and belongings inside.

He added there is no indication of anything suspicious at this time.

Grant County Fire District 5 provided mutual aid in the incident.