Fire crews rescue woman from burning apartment

Kootenai County firefighters evacuated several people from their homes after a fire broke out tonight in a Post Falls apartment complex. One woman, who has not been identified, was taken to Kootenai Medical Center due to smoke inhalation after the fire broke out in the bedroom of her apartment, 701 N. Compton Street, about 6:36 tonight. Crews found her sitting on a ledge outside the burning second-story unit. There is extensive fire, smoke and water damage in her unit, said Jim Lyon, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue spokesperson. Crews were able to contain the fire mostly to her apartment, but water caused extensive damage to the apartment directly beneath hers. That neighbor will not be able to return until the damage is repaired. Other residents were able to return to their units after crews determined they were not damaged. The cause of the blaze is unknown. Crews are on the scene investigating.