Fire Story

Four Pullman residents died after a fire broke out in their apartment Tuesday.

The fire broke out at 7:30 Tuesday morning. Pullman and Moscow fire departments were alerted to an apartment fire at 1172 S. Columbia Ave. – about one mile from the Idaho border.

Carolyn L. Carothers, 13, and Samantha M. Jone, 17, were both pronounced dead when they arrived at Pullman Medical Center. Two other victims who have yet to be identified were found dead at their apartment.

The cause of the fire is unknown. Police found a gasoline canister near the door of the apartment. The Whitman County Sherriff’s Office is offering up to a $10,000 reward for details about the fire. The Pullman Police Department will be holding a press conference at 4 P.M. today to discuss their plans for the investigation.

“The presence of a gasoline canister has raised concerns,” said Whitman County Prosecutor Paula T. Doe. “We are investigation whether the fire was intentional or accidental.”

The home has extensive smoke, fire, and water damage. According to fire officials, the fire destroyed more than $1 million in property.