In brief: Apartment fire kills Spokane Valley man

A 69-year-old man died in a fire inside his Spokane Valley apartment early Wednesday.

Arthur L. Farmer was in bed when flames engulfed a recliner about five feet away, according to the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

Investigators say Farmer likely died of smoke inhalation, said Bill Clifford, fire department spokesman.

Fire officials believe the fire at 10516 E. Main Ave. started from a cigarette left on the recliner, but investigators also will consider whether an air purifier may have malfunctioned, Clifford said.

Officials said Farmer used an oxygen tank.

A bicyclist reported the fire to 911 at 3:11 a.m.

Before firefighters arrived, neighbors “tried going in and getting the guy out but were unsuccessful,” Clifford said.