North Spokane home damaged by fire

An older Northside Spokane couple was burned out of their home this morning. The fire broke out in the basement of their home at 1009 E. Glass Ave. about 9:45 a.m., authorities said. No injuries reported and the couple was not home at the time. Spokane firefighters quickly extinguished the small fire, said Battalion Chief Clive Jones. However, crews undertook a search of the dwelling because it was not known whether the occupants, both in their 70s, might still be inside. Extra hose lines were laid out to provide water to protect the search crews. Medics and an ambulance were placed on standby. Fire crews knocked out a picture window on the main floor in an effort to quickly evacuate smoke and reduce damage. “The fire was really confined to a small area,” Jones said. “Lots of smoke.” Two pets, a dog and a cat, died in the fire. Twenty two firefighters and seven rigs responded.