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

An early morning fire in Northwest Spokane resulted in the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy Monday. The Spokane Fire Department, assisted by Spokane County Fire District 9, responded to the fire at 12:14 a. m. and rescued the boy's grandmother, who attempted to extinguish the flames but was overwhelmed. Firefighters found the boy in the basement bedroom, where the fire originated, and pronounced him dead at the scene.

Two dogs and a cat were also found deceased. Investigators determined the fire was incendiary in nature, linked to the child igniting combustible materials. The grandmother was treated for smoke inhalation but did not require hospitalization. The child's mother was evaluated and later released. The Spokane Fire Department is urging residents to participate in fire prevention programs for children who may play with fire.