Man found dead in house fire identified

A man found dead with his dogs after a house fire early Sunday has been identified. The Spokane Fire Department said James L. Stowell, 46, died from smoke inhalation, although toxicology reports are still pending. Fire investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire at 1003 E. Ermina Ave., said Brian Schaeffer, a department spokesman. Firefighters dispatched to the scene about 1:16 a.m. found the home already engulfed in flames, according to a release. The fire at the 700-square-foot home was under control within 15 minutes. Nearly 30 firefighters, three engines, two senior ladders and a heavy rescue rig battled the blaze. Spokane Fire Departments reports that this is the fourth fire fatality to date in Spokane for 2010.