The cause of a deadly two-alarm fire in Sudden Valley early Saturday remains under investigation, as officials Sunday released further details of the incident, including a thwarted attempt to rescue the victim trapped inside.
Elizabeth Wilkenson, 58, suffocated in the 1:20 a.m Saturday fire at 16 Horseshoe Circle, said Dr. Gary Goldfogel, the Whatcom County medical examiner. An autopsy was conducted Saturday.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries as a team from the first engine company to arrive was turned back at the front door by intense heat and heavy smoke, said Chief Dave Ralston of the South Whatcom Fire Authority.