Fire badly damages Silver Lake home

Fire badly damaged a home in the Silver Lake area east of Medical Lake this morning, but the occupants escaped without injury. Deputy Fire Chief Bill Dennstaedt of Spokane County Fire District No. 3 said a smoke detector alerted a sleeping family to the blaze that tore through the attic and roof during the 5 a.m. call. He said four people were in the home. The cause of the fire was under investigation, but it may have been started from the use of a wood stove, he said. At least six engines and pumper trucks from District No. 3 were joined by an engine from the city of Medical Lake. More than 20 firefighters responded to the blaze. No injuries were reported.