Clothing near heater caused blaze

Spokane fire investigators determined clothes too close to a heater caused a blaze Saturday in a three-story apartment building, which displaced 26 residents until Tuesday.

The building – with the exception of three units – was reopened Tuesday after investigators made sure gas heaters in the rooms were working properly, officials said.

The fire started in a third-floor room of 1221 N. Monroe St. about 11:45 p.m. Saturday, fire officials said. When fire crews arrived at the building, Lascelle Motel, they found heavy smoke coming from one of the rooms.

Everyone was evacuated safely, fire officials said.

The fire was contained to one room, officials said. The estimated damage was $5,000.

The American Red Cross helped all 10 affected families find temporary accommodations.