Justin de Ruyter, Spokane Fire PIO, jderuyter@spokanecity.org
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 4:35 p.m.
Yesterday at 3:37 p.m., firefighters responded to the 2500 block of North Belt Street after reports of flames coming from the front of a home. Engine 3 arrived within three minutes and confirmed heavy fire engulfing the front of a 1.5-story residence.
Firefighters verified that a woman and two children had safely evacuated after being alerted by working smoke alarms. The woman sustained injuries during the evacuation and was transported to the hospital but was later released that evening.
Crews brought the fire under control within ten minutes. However, the home suffered extensive fire and smoke damage, with estimated losses exceeding $250,000. Tragically, during a post-fire search, firefighters discovered three dogs and a cat had not survived. The fire remains under investigation. The Red Cross was contacted to assist four adults and two children displaced by the fire.
At 2:14 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to the 2400 block of North Astor Street for reports of a bedroom fire. Engine 2 arrived within four minutes and found a 1.5-story home with smoke from the front door. Upon entry, crews encountered severe hoarding conditions but quickly located and extinguished the fire, which was contained in a first-floor bedroom.
An infant was evaluated on scene for smoke inhalation but did not require medical treatment. The Red Cross was requested to assist five adults and one infant displaced by the fire. Investigators could not determine the exact cause of the fire but credited working smoke alarms for alerting the occupants with enough time to evacuate safely.
