RATHDRUM - A firefighter who lives next door to a Rathdrum home destroyed by fire Monday night pulled a wheelchair-bound woman to safety, according to firefighters.

"I heard some screaming, so I looked out my window and saw smoke," said John Ward, who works for Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

"I ran over there to make sure everybody was out because fire was coming out of the front window."

The home is owned by Richard and Valerie Yates, according to firefighters. The couple's adult daughter was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. Valerie, who was rescued by Ward, was also treated at the scene.

Pets, including two dogs and multiple cats, are believed to have died in the fire.

The cause of the fire -reported around 5:45 p.m. at 7708 W. Main St. just east of the Mountain View Alternative High School - is under investigation.

Jim Lyon, spokesman for the Northern Lakes Fire District, said the fire was reported to have started in a bedroom.

The fire was well-established inside with heavy smoke coming from the home when crews arrived. The metal roof limited ventilation during the blaze.

"We didn't initially go inside for the safety of the personnel after we knew all of the people were outside safely," Lyon said.

Ward said the Yates family has lived in the older home about 11 years. Mayor Vic Holmes, who was on scene, said the Yateses are crossing guards for the city and school district and Valerie recently fell and broke her hip.

One of the bystanders, who declined to be identified, said she heard a loud bang after the fire started and there were sparks from the electrical wires.

Northern Lakes was assisted by KCFR and Rathdrum Police on scene.