1 dead, 1 injured in Washington fire

WASHINGTON — One person was pronounced dead at the scene of a house fire in Washington early Sunday morning, while another was treated and released for injuries sustained during the fire.

A release from the Washington County Sheriff's Office confirmed the deceased as Deshia A. Matthew, 22, of Washington.

The Washington, Ainsworth and Kalona fire departments, Washington County ambulance, sheriff's office and emergency management personnel and the Washington Police Department responded to a house fire at 116 W. Third St. at 12:32 a.m. Sunday.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but no foul play is suspected, according to the release. The house was a site home for Optimae LifeServices, which offers housing and care for individuals with mental and intellectual disabilities.

According to a news release from Optimae, four residents were being served in the Washington home. Two residents and a staff member were in the home at the time of the fire, according to the release. The staff member was able to help one of the residents to safety but could not reach the other resident. The staff member was treated at the hospital for injuries and released.

'Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of our customer who passed away,' said William Dodds, president of Optimae. 'Words cannot express the loss we are feeling. We will do everything possible to support our affected customers and staff to help them through this tragic event.'

The State Fire Marshal's Office has been asked to respond, and the American Red Cross was also notified.

Optimae has also launched an internal investigation of the incident, according to its release.