Investigators say candle ignited fatal Lind fire

A candle, left burning on a dresser is believed to be the cause of a fire that claimed the life of a three-year-old girl last week in Lind.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release Monday, indicating the candle was the source of the fire.

“The candle is believed to be the source of ignition, surrounding the candle was a box of disposable diapers and clothing. Further inspection revealed that there were no smoke detectors in the house,” wrote Undersheriff John Hunt.

The sheriff’s office issued an earlier press release last Thursday morning confirming police, fire and emergency medical crews were summoned to the 200 block of Second Street in Lind at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, for a structure fire.

Deputy Ben Buriak was in town at the time of the call and the first to arrive on scene.

The parents told him their daughter was in the house.

Buriak, without protective firefighting gear, made several attempts to enter the home and rescue the child, but was turned back by heavy smoke and intense heat.

Lind Fire Department, located just around the corner from the home, was quick to respond and instantly made entrance to the house.

Fire Chief Kevin Starring said the fire was contained to one bedroom on the second floor while smoke consumed the majority of the house.

Three firefighters immediately rushed into the house and were able to rescue the child. Starring confirmed Rubben and Adam Labes and Frank Bren went in the house and Bren found the child.

Starring said all three men said they just happened to be in the right place at the right time and it was a total department effort.

“We were there quick,” Starring said. “The guys entered the building and found heavy smoke and heat. It was total chaos for awhile.”

The victim, Amy Allison Garcia, had severe burns over a large portion of her body.

Ritzville emergency medical technicians who rushed to the scene, took the child to East Adams Rural Hospital.

She was then flown by MedStar to Sacred Heart Medical Center and later flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

According to Undersheriff John Hunt, doctors at Harborview pronounced the child deceased at 5:56 a.m.

The Lind Fire Department emptied the station, sending five trucks and 15 firefighters to the scene.

“We were able to contain the fire to the one room,” Starring said.

Smoke, heat and water damage extend beyond that.

Deputy Buriak was checked out at the hospital for smoke inhalation and released.

According to Hunt, the Garcia’s father was cooking in the kitchen while she slept in an upstairs bedroom.

He smelled smoke and checked the living room and fireplace but didn’t find anything.

A short time later he smelled smoke again and checked the rest of the house, discovering the upstairs was on fire.

The victim’s mother then attempted to rescue her child, but was unable to do so. She suffered burns to her hands, face and portions of her upper body. She was also treated at Harborview.

Community members from Lind and the surrounding area were swift in their response to help the displaced family.

A memorial account has been established and a major benefit event is planned for March 23 (See article on Page 1).

Any individual interested in making a donation to the memorial fund at Columbia Bank can make checks payable to the “Amy Allison Garcia Memorial Fund.” Columbia Bank is located at 201 West Main Avenue in Ritzville.