Man dies in early morning Soap Lake fire

SOAP LAKE - An early-morning fire in Soap Lake killed one man and severely damaged an entire six-unit apartment complex Sunday.

The man's identity was being withheld Sunday, said Glenn Quantz, director of public safety for the city of Soap Lake.

He was "an older male who resided at the apartments," Quantz said. The cause of death was not determined as of Sunday morning.

The fire was reported about 2 a.m., Quantz said. The blaze damaged all six units in the building at 327 Division St., Quantz said.

Quantz said the cause of the fire also was not determined as of Sunday morning, and investigators were on the scene.

The fire's point of origin was under investigation as well, Quantz said.

All residents were forced to leave the apartments, Quantz said, and the local Red Cross chapter was "instrumental" in finding temporary housing.

Firefighters from Soap Lake, Grant County Fire District No. 7, Grant County Fire District No. 13, Ephrata Fire Department and Quincy Fire Department responded. Fire crews were on the scene through most of Sunday morning.