Coeur d’Alene fire victim identified

Investigators say a man whose body was found in a brush fire Thursday morning near Coeur d’Alene died accidentally in the blaze, according to preliminary autopsy results.

The victim was identified Monday as Robert Wayne Parkinson, 56.

Parkinson apparently had been sleeping in a wooded area off Interstate 90 just east of the city near Potlatch Hill Road. Fire investigators discovered several ignition sources near the body – candles, small propane cylinders, matches and a lantern – that contributed to the scope of the fire, Coeur d’Alene Police Sgt. Christie Wood said.

No foul play is suspected, Wood said.

The fire was reported by a passer-by at 3:35 a.m. in the hills above Exit 14. Firefighters quickly stopped the fire from spreading and discovered the body.