House burns a second time

A South Spokane County house fire burned for the second time in a week Wednesday. The majority of the Wednesday fire was away from the location of the earlier blaze, which was reported about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. The cause of the initial fire is still under investigation, as is Wednesday’s fire, which was fueled by wind gusts, officials said. Firefighters were first called to the home at 4808 S. Dyer Road in southern Spokane County about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, said Spokane County Fire District 8 Deputy Chief Lonnie Rash. That fire was quickly doused, and the resident was staying with family while repairs were being made. On Wednesday, neighbors called at 8:18 a.m. to report heavy smoke and flames at the house, Rash said. The blaze was on the first level of the home, which has a walkout basement. The home is older and well built, Rash said. Firefighters had to open up deep walls and ceilings to make sure the fire was out. The first floor had significant fire damage and smoke and water damage in the basement, Rash said.