Crews respond to a house fire in downtown Washington early Sunday. Photo by KCII News

One person died in a house fire in Washington early Sunday morning and she has been identified. According to the Washington County Communications Office, 22-year-old Deshia A. Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency crews responded to a house fire in downtown Washington at approximately 12:32 a.m. Sunday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities state no foul play is suspected. The State Fire Marshal’s office has been asked to assist in the investigation.

Optimae LifeServices is working with the fire marshal to determine the cause of the fire. The residence housed four Optimae LifeServices customers with mental and intellectual disabilities that are served by on-site staff. At the time of the fire, two residents and one staff member were in the house. According to Optimae LifeServices, the staff member was able to assist one resident to safety, but couldn’t reach the other. The staff member was treated at the hospital and released.

Fire fighters from the Washington, Ainsworth and Kalona fire departments worked to extinguish the fire in a two-story white house at 116 West 3rd Street. A ladder truck was used to approach the fire from above. The siding on the neighboring house was damaged.

Washington Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Ambulance and Washington County Emergency Management also responded to the scene. Also, the American Red Cross was notified.