Recent Walla Walla residential fire is a reminder of importance of smoke alarms.

WALLA WALLA — At 12:02 p.m. on June 24, 2021, crews from Walla Walla Fire Stations 1 and 2 were dispatched to a residential structure fire at 1731 Portland Ave., with a report that a heater in the hallway was on fire. Walla Walla County Fire District #4 provided mutual aid.

Upon arrival, crews reported seeing light smoke coming from the front door with a heavier smoke present from all other sides. The home’s resident, Teah Lieferman, and her children were out of the structure upon the crews’ arrival; however, the family’s pet dog was still in the home.

It was reported that the fire was coming from a heater located in the hallway of the home. Firefighters performed an aggressive interior attack and were able to confine and extinguish the fire. The fire was brought under control at 12:11 p.m. At that time, firefighters began a secondary search to find the family’s missing dog, which was found. Firefighters immediately provided high-flow oxygen to the dog, which required further care, and was transferred to Animal Clinic East.

Paramedics treated the Lieferman family on the scene for smoke inhalation and other minor injuries. There were no injuries to firefighters.

The cause of the fire is undetermined, and it was accidental. Damage to the property and contents is estimated at $54,000. The owner of the property is Linda Workman.

There were no working smoke alarms at this residence. The city of Walla Walla Fire Department reminds the public that smoke alarms save lives. Please remember to check all smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in working condition.