Two dogs die in West Central fire

Two dogs died in a fire at 1924 W. Augusta Ave. in the West Central Neighborhood just before 9 a.m. this morning. The residents of the home were able to get out safely before firefighters arrived. There was heavy fire in the basement, which caused firefighters to withdraw from inside the house temporarily at one point, according to a press release from the Spokane Fire Department. Firefighters were able to return inside the home after they made progress extinguishing the flames, the release said. It took over an hour to put out the flames, which caused heavy damage to the basement and first floor estimated at $75,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Red Cross is assisting the two residents