Fire Chases Residents Onto Roof

Tenants of an east Spokane home were rescued from their roof Thursday morning, as the entire second floor burned beneath them.

Firefighters helped the two tenants down a ladder at 1719 E. Fourth Ave. shortly after 6 a.m. The couple were awakened by smoke and climbed through a second-floor window onto the roof.

The fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring, said Spokane Fire Lt. Ken Kirsch. Flames were contained to the upstairs portion of the home, with smoke and water damage throughout.

There were no injuries, although one firefighter fell through the upstairs floor into a room below. He landed safely on a bed, officials said.

The couple did not have working smoke detectors in the house.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo