Spokane Valley resident dies in house fire fueled by oxygen tank

An accidental fire sparked by smoking and fueled by an oxygen tank in a Spokane Valley home created an intense fire Thursday that killed the home’s elderly resident.

A man passing by the trailer home in the 900 block of South Nina Circle saw flames coming from inside and called 911, according to a Spokane Valley Fire Department news release.

That passerby knew the homeowner. He tried to get inside but couldn’t push through the “black smoke and intense flames,” the release said.

Spokane Valley firefighters knew the elderly resident, too. They’d come for prior 911 calls for medical help. When they arrived Thursday, they “made rapid entry,” the release said.

Black smoke and a heavy active fire were underway and the resident died. The Spokane Valley Fire Department chaplain came to the scene, the release said.

“Spokane Valley Fire is saddened at the loss of a member of our community and offer condolences to the family for their great loss,” the release said.

Investigators found no evidence of illegal activity, according to the release.