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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Fund For Oakesdale Family

From Staff And Wire Reports

County officials and friends of an Oakesdale, Wash., family whose home was destroyed by fire last week are seeking donations to help them get back on their feet.

The family has stayed with friends in town but needs household items like pots and pans, lamps, a vacuum cleaner and utensils. A fund for them has also been set up at the Oakesdale branch of the Bank of Latah.

Douglas Palmer, 35, said he woke to the smell of smoke about 1:30 a.m. last Thursday and helped his wife, Maleena, 29, and 22-month-old daughter outside.

After getting two dogs out the back, he returned with a garden hose but it was of no use, he said.

“I got through the front door and it was like it erupted in flames,” he said.

Fire officials later told him the fire started in the faulty electrical outlet of an unoccupied bedroom and spread through the walls and into the attic.

People who would like to make other contributions to the family can contact Ben Benthein, chaplain at the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, at (509) 397-6266.

, DataTimes