Smoke Detector May Have Saved Lives

Wed., Aug. 3, 1994

From Staff

A smoke detector may have saved the lives of four children and one adult who slept in a burning house Tuesday morning, Spokane firefighters said.

The alarm sounded shortly before 4 a.m. at August Mae Walker’s home at E2018 Pacific and woke up the woman, who quickly gathered her children and went to a neighbor’s house.

Battalion Chief Joe Stapleton said smoke and flames were shooting out the second story rear windows when crews arrived.

Firefighters had to remove part of the home’s roof and siding before they were able to put the fire out.

Flames heavily damaged the second floor and crept into the attic and first floor, causing minor damage, Stapleton said.

“They had a working smoke detector and it probably saved their lives,” Stapleton said.

Investigators believe a discarded cigarette started the fire upstairs.

There were no injuries.

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