SPOKANE, Wash. — Three family members died and one neighbor was injured in a North Spokane house fire on Sunday.
Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said a man and a 17-year-old were found dead inside a home on East Nebraska Avenue and Perry Street. On Monday morning, a woman who was critically burned died from her injuries, according to Schaeffer. The fire started after an explosion, he added.
The man was a 45-year-old father, the woman was a 39-year-old mother and the 17-year-old was their daughter.
The father and daughter were found inside the home. The mother was found critically burned in the front yard. The other woman who was injured with severe burns was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital.
When fire crews arrived at the scene, the house was fully engulfed in flames. According to Schaeffer, the house was completely destroyed and one side on another house was damaged. Multiple vehicles were also destroyed in the fire.
The nature of the fire was determined to be accidental. The cause was identified as a discarded cigarette that was left on a couch located on the front porch oftentimes used while smoking.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.