SPOKANE, Wash. — An electrical malfunction reportedly caused the North Central Spokane house fire that killed a family of four.
According to the Spokane Fire Department (SFD), investigators discovered an extension cord in place of permanent wiring, which is where they believe the electrical malfunction happened. The fire reportedly started on the front porch near the garage before spreading to the house's second floor, where the family was located. Ultimately, investigators determined the cause of the fire was accidental.
The fire was reported at a home on North Howard Street. When responding units arrived, they discovered the fire had rapidly spread to the upstairs portion of the home, which is where two adults and two children were. The fire was quickly upgraded to a second alarm as crews worked to rescue the occupants.
Arthur Smith, a neighbor who witnessed the fire, told KREM 2 the fire was spreading fast.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner confirmed that 40-year-old Robert des Islets and 33-year-old Arielle des Islets were killed in the fire. The couple's two children, Aiden and Christopher, were also killed due to injuries from the fire.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims during this time as they process this tremendous loss.” Fire Chief Julie O’Berg said in a statement.
Arielle's sister Aubury Lund, said the couple met while playing an online role-playing game and Robert, who's nickname was Chip, moved to Spokane from Georgia to be with Arielle.
Lund also described Christopher as "an amazing little boy" and Aiden as "a little miracle."
SFD also said the house where the fire occurred did not have any functional smoke detectors inside.
"The Spokane Fire Department would like to emphasize that licensed electricians should perform all electrical modifications or additions through a permitted process. Extension cords should never be substituted for permanent wiring," SFD said in a statement. "Additionally, smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside the bedrooms in the hallway. Alarms should be tested semi-annually during daylight saving time changes, and they should also be checked to ensure they are within ten years of the manufactured date located on the back of the alarm.
A GoFund Me campaign has been organized for the family.
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KREM 2 was able to speak with Arielle des Islets's father in the days following the tragic incident.
Laurence Lund said he and other loved ones are remembering his daughter's family as a family with a lot of of love.
"Very loving and kind family," Lund said. "Everybody who ever met them always enjoyed them."
According to the Spokane Fire Department (SFD), an electrical malfunction caused the fire. Investigators found an extension cord in place of permanent wiring. According to Lund, the investigators told him the cord dated back to the late Sixties, way before the des Islets moved in.
Now, days later, he and his family are adjusting to the loss. One thing that gives him a little peace is knowing the family was together at the end.
"Since it was a cold night, they were all sleeping in the same bed," Lund said. "They were a happy family right up until they went to sleep."
Lund told KREM 2 he's also been surprised and thankful about the community outreach.
"There's no words in the English language that I can come up with to thank the people for their outreach," Lund said. "It's just amazing. It's really boosted my faith in humanity again."
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is made available.
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