Smoking Fire Displaces Two Residents on West Gardner Avenue

Firefighters extinguished a porch fire at a residence on West Gardner Avenue in Spokane on June 5, 2025. Responding within four minutes, crews found flames visible from the roof and controlled the fire in 20 minutes. One adult sustained a knee injury while assisting with firefighting efforts, and the American Red Cross provided temporary housing for two displaced residents. Investigators determined the fire started from a lit cigarette that ignited flammable Cottonwood pollen, which rapidly spread through the yard and onto the porch. This incident highlights the heightened fire risk as wildland fire season approaches, particularly concerning fine fuels.

The Spokane Fire Department urges residents to monitor smoking materials closely and extinguish them in safe receptacles. Fire officials emphasize that even small sparks can lead to significant fires in dry conditions. As the community faces increased fire hazards, awareness and precaution are vital to preventing future incidents.