(Lewiston, ID) At 12:37 AM a Lewiston Police Officer was flagged down by a patron near 541 Thain Road advising they could smell smoke. The LPD officer was also able to smell smoke and requested Lewiston Fire Department to respond. First arriving crews found smoke coming from the building at 541 Thain and requested additional resources from the fire department.
The crews made entry through the back door of the business and found a laundry type basket filled with soiled linens that were charred and at the point of ignition. The building was filled with significant smoke, but no flames were visible. Crews removed the basket and smoldering linens and began smoke removal immediately. Due to the decisive actions of the citizen in requesting help, this potential fire was contained to some smoke throughout the building and no structure damage to the building. Crews were on scene approximately one hour removing
smoke and ensuring there was no extension of heat or fire into the wall.
The fire department responded with 2 structural engines, 1 ambulance and 1 chief officer, all other units were returned to service.
There was minimal damage from this incident and no citizens or firefighters were reported injured.