SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Spokane Valley Fire Department Investigators determined the cause of the fire that killed an elderly Spokane Valley woman Thursday.
Fire crew were called to the fire near the intersection of Dishman Mica and South Nina Circle at 5:43 a.m. Thursday, according to a press release. A passerby saw flames coming from a single wide mobile home and called 911, Fire Captain George Hedebeck said in the release.
Crews on scene said the person tried to go into the home to help but couldn’t due to the smoke and flames.
According to a press release sent out Friday, investigators ruled the fire was accidental and smoking related. Investigators said the intensity and fatal outcome were increased due to the oxygen tank in the home that was being used by the victim.
Fire crews arrived within five minutes of the call and the fire was quickly declared a working fire, which brings additional resources to the scene, Hedebeck said. The Spokane Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 8 responded to help, according to Hedebeck.
Crews on scene said the family of the woman who died have been notified. They said she was the only person who lived in the home. The Spokane County Medical Examiner will identify the victim when appropriate.
The home is a complete loss, according to crews on scene.