People, pets flee chimney fire

A chimney fire damaged a home at 1814 W. Mission in northwest Spokane this morning just after 9 a.m. Three residents made it safely out of the home, as did two cats and several birds. Firefighters found smoke and flames on an exterior wall on the first floor when they arrived, according to a Spokane Fire Department press release. The fire was spreading to the second floor and attic. Crews had to rip open the walls and attic to put out the fire. Investigators determined that the fire was caused by a wood stove chimney that set the wall on fire, the press release said. Damage is estimated to be at least $20,000. The Red Cross is assisting the residents.