May 12, 2011 in News

Valley firefighters fight two structure fires

• Print
• Email
• Share

A Pop Tart that caught fire in a toaster caused extensive damage to a Spokane Valley home today.

Spokane Valley firefighters responded to 12021 E. 25th Ave at 7:52 this morning, according to a Spokane Valley Fire Department news release. The homeowners told crews they found the toaster on fire when they returned to the kitchen moments after putting the pastry in the toaster.

No injuries were reported in the fire, but there was heavy fire damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the house, the news release said. Investigators estimate $60,000 in damages.

Spokane Valley firefighters later responded to another cooking fire at 7002 E. 2nd Ave. at 1:07 p.m. today, where they saw light colored smoke coming from the back of the home, according to the news release.

The fire, which started in the kitchen, was caused by a pan and its contents being left on the stove.

A female tenant was sleeping when the fire started, but luckily awoke by the smoke, the news release said. Her smoke detector was defective.

According to the Spokane Valley Fire Department, cooking fires are the leading cause of fires in the U.S. and people remain in the kitchen while cooking.

One comment on this story so far. Add yours!

• 

  johnclarke on May 12 at 9:55 p.m.

  So if we just stop cooking indoors, can we get rid of the fire department ?

  Kidding…glad no one was hurt. I’m curious how one puts out a pop tart on fire? 2 inch line? Did they ventilate the toaster ?