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

A house fire in Northwest Spokane early Monday morning resulted in the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy, while firefighters rescued a disoriented adult female and three other children. Responding within five minutes, the Spokane Fire Department, along with Spokane County Fire District 9, encountered a single-story residence with flames visible from the basement. Investigators determined that the boy had ignited combustible materials while sleeping in the basement with his grandmother, who attempted to smother the flames but was forced to escape due to heavy smoke. Firefighters discovered the boy and two pets deceased during their search of the home. The grandmother received treatment for smoke inhalation but declined hospital transport, while the child's mother was evaluated and released.

The fire's incendiary nature underscores the critical need for fire safety education, particularly for children with a history of fire play. The Spokane Fire Department urges residents to engage with their Youth Fire-Setting Prevention Program to prevent similar tragedies. Fire investigators were assisted by the Spokane Police Department and an arson dog during their investigation.