Fatal Early Morning House Fire in Northwest Spokane Claims Life of Child

A house fire in Spokane early today claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy, with firefighters responding to the scene shortly after 12:14 a. m. Upon arrival, they rescued a disoriented grandmother who had attempted to extinguish the flames in the basement. Unfortunately, they discovered her grandson in the basement bedroom, where the fire had started, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators determined that the fire was incendiary, initiated by the child igniting combustible materials.

The grandmother suffered smoke inhalation but declined hospital transport, while the child's mother was evaluated and later released. The Red Cross is providing assistance to three adults and three children displaced by the fire. The Spokane Fire Department urges residents to refer children with a history of fire play to their Youth Fire-Setting Prevention Program. This incident highlights the critical need for fire safety awareness and intervention in the community.