No charges coming in fatal West Richland fire

An investigation into last year's fire that killed a West Richland woman was closed Thursday with no charges filed, officials said.

Sandy St. George, 26, died from smoke inhalation but her manner of death was ruled "undetermined," by the Benton County coroner.

Her husband, Thomas St. George, was able to escape the early morning fire on March 18, 2011, that destroyed the family's home at 701 S. 45th Ave.

West Richland police, with help from local fire officials and agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, completed an "extensive investigation," but was not able to determine the cause of the blaze.

The fire was believed to have started in the laundry room, but an exact point of origin was not known.

The Benton County Prosecutor's Office completed a review of the materials Thursday and elected not to file any criminal charges related to the fire or death, West Richland police said in a news release.

Police officials support the decision, but said it doesn't prohibit additional review if they get new leads in the case.

The case is considered closed unless more information is disclosed that prompts further investigation, officials said.

Thomas St. George told investigators he was awakened by his barking dog. He was treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation.

The couple's three young children were not home at the time of the fire.

Sandy St. George's family filed a wrongful death suit last fall in Benton County Superior Court against Thomas St. George, his parents and the family businesses.

The suit still is pending.

-- Paula Horton: 582-1556; phorton@tricityherald.com

This story was originally published June 15, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "No charges coming in fatal West Richland fire."