A woman in Coeur d’Alene died Sunday morning after being found unconscious inside her burning home, according to the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department.
Fire crews responded around 8 a.m. to the 3600 block of North 15th Street, where smoke and heat were coming from the structure. Fourteen units from Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and Northern Lakes Fire District arrived on scene. Police were first to arrive and confirmed someone was likely still inside.
Roughly 30 firefighters worked to extinguish the flames within 10 minutes. The woman was discovered near the front entry and rushed to Kootenai Health, where she later died from her injuries.
Deputy Fire Marshal Craig Etherton confirmed the fire was accidental and caused by an electrical issue. Notably, there were no working smoke alarms in the home.
“If she had just a bit more time, maybe she could have gotten out,” Etherton said, urging residents to check their alarms.
A small dog escaped during the fire and returned home. It has been turned over to animal control until family members are notified.
The woman’s name has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
