Firefighters find one dead in early morning blaze

The cause of an early morning fire that led to the discovery of a man’s remains in a northeast Spokane home is under investigation. Firefighters found the remains near an exit of the burning home at 1003 E. Ermina Ave. after being dispatched to the scene about 1:16 a.m. today, authorities said. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday morning, said Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. According to the Spokane Fire Department, the home was engulfed in flames when firefighters rolled onto the scene. Crews attacked the flames while searching for occupants and preventing the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. The fire was under control within 15 minutes. Three large dogs also were found dead in the 700-square-foot home. Nearly 30 firefighters, three engines, two senior ladders and a heavy rescue rig battled the blaze.