~ Spokane, WA - In the early hours of this morning, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire on West Rowan Avenue. The call came in at 12:14 a.m., reporting that there were occupants trapped inside the basement. The department, along with assistance from Spokane County Fire District 9, quickly dispatched Engine 16 from the Northwest neighborhood.

Upon arrival, Engine 16 reported seeing flames coming from a basement window of the single-story residence. Firefighters wasted no time and entered through the front door to search for the trapped occupants. They were able to locate an adult female who was disoriented and helped her to safety outside.

However, their attempts to access the basement via the interior stairwell were initially hindered by heavy smoke and intense heat. To combat this, additional crews applied water from the exterior to cool down the fire room. This allowed interior firefighters to make their way down the stairwell.

Unfortunately, upon reaching the basement bedroom where the fire originated, they found an 11-year-old boy who was pronounced deceased at the scene. During subsequent searches, two dogs and a cat were also found deceased.

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According to investigators, it was determined that the child and his grandmother were sleeping in the basement bedroom when she woke up to a small fire in one corner of the room. She tried to put out the fire with clothing and locate her grandson but was forced out by heavy smoke and rapidly growing flames. She managed to escape through the stairs and alert three other children and her daughter on the main floor who were able to evacuate safely.

The grandmother was treated for smoke inhalation on scene but declined hospital transport while her daughter was transported for evaluation and later released. The Red Cross is currently assisting three adults and three children who have been displaced by this tragic incident.

In accordance with standard practice in fatal fire investigations, Spokane Fire Department investigators were assisted by Spokane Police Department as well as Spokane County Fire District 4 arson dog and handler. After thorough investigation, it was determined that the fire was incendiary in nature and caused by the deceased child igniting combustible materials.

The Spokane Fire Department is urging residents to recognize the importance of early intervention when it comes to fires. They are reminding parents to refer children who have a history of playing with or igniting fires to their Youth Fire-Setting Prevention Program at 509-625-7058.

Attached to this press release are two photos related to the incident. The first photo shows the exterior of the residence with visible damage from the fire, while the second photo shows firefighters working on extinguishing the flames.

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