Broken water line shorts out wiring causing a fire in basement of apartment building

A broken water line next to a junction box caused it to short out and sparked a fire in the apartment building at 152 A St. in Orofino Sunday evening, according to Orofino Fire Chief Jonathon Hoyt.

The building is owned by Clayne Tyler.

Firefighters had to cut a hole in the floor of the office area to put the fire out. The apartments were not damaged, but the Avista Utilities power had to be disconnected until the damage can be checked by an electrician. One tenant was evaluated by Clearwater County Ambulance Service because the smoke was causing trouble with his asthma. All the tenants in the building were displaced until the wiring is evaluated, Hoyt said.

Shortly after the first call, a chimney fire was reported at 111 143rd St. Part of the firefighters on the other call responded. They found the homeowner had put the fire out. They inspected it to make sure the fire was out and then returned to help at the first fire.

Orofino Police Department assisted with traffic control around the engines that were in the street. CCAS evaluated the tenant with asthma/smoke problems.

With the cold weather, Hoyt advised homeowners to check pipes and make sure they do not freeze and cause similar problems.