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

In the early hours of November 24, Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at 12:14 a. m. on West Rowan Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found flames visible from a basement window and rescued a disoriented adult female. They discovered an 11-year-old boy deceased in the basement bedroom, where the fire originated.

Investigators determined that the boy ignited the fire while playing with combustible materials, leading his grandmother to attempt extinguishing it. Despite her efforts, she was forced to escape due to heavy smoke and flames. The child's mother and three other children on the main floor were able to evacuate safely. The grandmother received treatment for smoke inhalation but declined hospital transport. The Red Cross is providing assistance to six residents displaced by the tragedy.