Woman escapes house fire on Freya

A house in the 800 block of South Freya Street was heavily damaged by fire Thursday afternoon, but a woman inside was able to get out safely.

The fire was reported just before 5 p.m. An officer from Spokane County Fire District 8 happened to be in the area and arrived first to find the home and garage on fire as well as a car and a tree, said Spokane Fire Chief Bobby Williams.

Crews from District 8 and Spokane Valley Fire assisted with the fire, which burned portions of the first floor and basement of the home.

“All the crews on the incident were very, very busy,” Williams said.

While crews were still working to put out the flames it was reported that the insulation in the attic, which firefighters were ripping into, contained asbestos. Williams said the crews followed procedure by hosing themselves off to decontaminate their bunkers and equipment.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Williams said it’s not yet known if the fire started inside or outside the home.

The Red Cross was called to assist the residents.