Residents of Spokane Valley supported living facility escape fire unharmed

Residents of a supported living facility were able to get out of a duplex that caught fire at 16402 E. Broadway just before 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

Crews arriving on scene found heavy smoke and fire in the attic of the duplex, said Spokane Valley Fire Department spokeswoman Melanie Rose. Five residents with intellectual disabilities and four caregivers were able to get out unharmed after using a fire escape plan that they practice often, Rose said.

The residents will be temporarily housed in another location, she said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.