The Red Cross is assisting a family that lost its home in a fire this morning in North Kelso. Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue and Longview Fire were called to 1512 N. 3rd at about 5 am, when a car fire was reported. Firefighters arrirved in just a few minutes, but the fire had already spread to the house. A second alarm was called in, and it too a full half-hour to get the fire knocked down. They say that the home is a total loss; the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Kelso Police say that it does not appear to be suspicious at this time. They are continuing to investigate, working to determine the exact cause and point of origin. The home was occupied when the fire broke out, but the family was able to escape safely. There’s been no dollar estimate on damage as of yet.
