3 a.m. blaze damages three-story apartment

Fire crews are still checking for hot spots after an early-morning blaze on West Ninth Avenue left at least six people without a home. Spokane firefighters responded to a tenant’s 3 a.m. call regarding the blaze at a three-story house converted into six apartments at 2008 W. Ninth Ave. near Cannon Street, a fire official said. Investigators say a cigarette caused the accidental fire. Crews found flames and smoke coming from the second floor, and immediately began a search and rescue effort while attacking the fire, said Deputy Chief Dave Leavenworth. Between the fire and firefighting efforts, the upper two floors were destroyed and the first floor was substantially damaged, fire officials said. The American Red Cross reported that only one person needed its assistance with temporary housing and other emergency needs. There were no injuries to the tenants or firefighters, Leavenworth said.