Pets retrieved from North Side house fire

Spokane fire crews were expected to stay overnight at the scene of a house fire on West Jackson Avenue that started with a loud explosion about 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The fire at 914 W. Jackson Ave., near North Monroe Street, started in the basement, according to a fire dispatch notice posted at 5:21 p.m. Saturday.

Twelve fire units responded to the scene, according to a fire department spokesman.

The fire spread from the basement, and firefighters had to cut holes in the roof. No people were home when the fire broke out, but two dogs, an iguana and a tortoise were removed from the house.

It’s standard protocol for fire crews to remain all night at a major house fire, according to the department spokesman.