MATTAWA — A blaze outside Mattawa on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, killed one person and injured another. The blaze occurred at the 23000 block of Road O Southwest.

Sara Yoselin Manjares Ruiz, 29, died of asphyxia due to inhalation of products of combustion, according to Jerry Jasman, chief investigator for the Grant County coroner’s office. Her family has been notified. A second individual, Juan Rodriguez, 34, was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment.

Grant County Fire District No. 8 received a report of a fire at 8:23 a.m. on March 3. Fire crews were on scene for approximately 20 minutes when they discovered a deceased individual.

“We continued to monitor and extinguish any hot spots until the coroner and fire marshal showed up,” said David Patterson, fire chief for Grant County Fire District No. 8. “We stayed on scene for an additional two hours to make sure we didn’t have anything rekindled.”

Patterson said that the building, a garage converted into living quarters, is being considered a total loss.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Grant County Fire Marshal’s office is waiting to talk to a witness before releasing more information.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at [email protected].