UPDATE: August 26 at 6:10 p.m.
Fire investigators said the fire was sparked by a window air conditioner plugged into an extension cord, which was then connected to a power strip.
This setup led to overheating and ultimately caused the fire, the Spokane Fire Department said in a release.
The department emphasized the importance of plugging air conditioners and space heaters directly into wall outlets as extension cords and power strips are not designed to handle the amount of electricity these appliances use.
If a wall outlet is not available, the department recommends contacting a licensed electrician to find a safe solution. This advisory aims to prevent similar incidents and ensure community safety.
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to a structure fire at 804 South Sherman Street around 10:40 a.m. Monday.
A resident was found unconscious on the first floor. Firefighters cut the sill from a nearby window to remove him safely, and was brought to the hospital in critical condition.
The fire originated on the main floor of a split-level duplex, and two households have been displaced as a result.
SFD contained the fire by 11:03 a.m., according to a social media post.
The area of South Sherman Street near the fire will be closed for the next hour, SFD said.
This story was updated on August 25, 2025 at 2:03 p.m. following a full media release from SFD.
