Four dead after an apartment building fire in Pullman - writing exercise

Four people died in an Pullman apartment building fire this morning.

The fire was at 1172 S. Columbia Ave. and the Pullman and Moscow fire departments arrived at 7:30 a.m. They said they were immediately able to contain the fire.

Two victims were pronounced dead on the scene, while the other two were pronounced dead by doctors at Pullman Medical Center.

All of the victims were found in the first floor of the apartment building, while the people in the neighboring apartments were able to escape.

"We are investigating whether the fire was intentional or accidental," the Whitman County Prosecurtor, Paula T. Doe said.

She said the presence of a gasoline canister has raised concerns.

Detective William Mile of the Pullman Police Department said they have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire.

At this point the police have no further information about the cause of the fire and the Whitman County Sheriff’s office is offering a $10,000 reward for details about the fire.

"This was a horrific fire, and we will do everything we can to fully investigate it's cause," Doe said.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact law enforcement.