KCSO Probes Fatal Rathdrum Fire

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an unattended death at a house fire near Rathdrum. About 6:45 p.m. Sunday evening, neighbors of the residence at 10278 N. Church Road noticed smoke coming from the single wide mobile home at that address.  While the fire department was in route, neighbors attempted to put out the fire with a garden hose but were unable to overcome the flames.  About 8:45 p.m. firefighters told deputies on scene that they had discovered a dead body inside the residence.  Due to the state of the burned body, positive identification was not possible.  Investigators are continuing their investigation today.  Once the body is identified and notification of next of kin completed, the information will be released to the public. Cause of the fire is also under investigation.