Photo: East Central house fire

A fire that broke out in a Spokane home killed four dogs and two cats, but no humans were injured. The Spokane Fire Department responded to the fire at 1914 E. Hartson Ave. about 10:42 a.m. Friday. The first crews on the scene reported flames and heavy smoke coming from a side window on the main floor of a single-family one-and-a-half-story wood-frame home. Damage to the house and contents was extensive. The fire damaged structural components, from the basement to the roof, and will be uninhabitable until repairs can be made to the structure and its electrical wiring. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Flames were spreading up the home’s exterior and into the attic through vents. Crews attacked the fire and began searching inside for any victims. The home’s occupant, John Gonzales, arrived shortly after the fire was reported. Crews had to use chainsaws to open up the roof and siding, as well as interior walls and ceilings to locate and extinguish the spreading fire. The department dispatched 32 firefighters to the scene, and several remained on scene for hours afterward mopping up. No firefighters were injured.