TOPPENISH, Wash. — A fire blamed on overloaded electrical circuits destroyed a North Alder Street residence early this morning, Toppenish Fire Chief Tim Smith said.

The fire, which began about 2:20 a.m., left a woman and her three children homeless.

The mother and children, ranging in age from 5 to 15 are staying with relatives and receiving assistance from the American Red Cross, Smith said.

Smith estimated the loss at $75,000 to the building and contents. Smith said space heaters overloaded the electrical circuit and caused the fire in the 100-year-old house at 316 N. Alder St.

Toppenish firefighters arrived to find flames coming from a bedroom window and the attic. Smith said the fire began in a false ceiling and spread to the attic.

The woman was awakened to the sound of popping noises and found the fire when she went outside. Neither the occupants nor any firefighters were injured. Fire crews remained at the scene until 6 a.m.


 -- David Lester