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

A devastating house fire in Northwest Spokane claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy early this morning. Firefighters from the Spokane Fire Department responded quickly, rescuing a disoriented adult female while finding the child deceased in the basement. Investigators determined the fire was incendiary, started by the child playing with combustible materials in the bedroom. The child's grandmother attempted to smother the fire before escaping and alerting others in the home, who managed to evacuate. The Spokane Fire Department, in conjunction with the Spokane Police and local fire district investigators, is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

The grandmother received treatment for 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 department emphasizes the need for early intervention for children who engage in fire play, urging parents to contact their Youth Fire-Setting Prevention Program.