A fire that started in the backyard of a Spokane home Sunday had helped eleven children to escape horrific conditions of malnourishment and abuse, police said.
A witness reported seeing smoke coming from the residence while traveling on Interstate 90 and he rushed to warn the residents.
“The lady, she came to the door, what’s going on she wouldn’t open her door. I’m like ‘Hey, there’s a fire, get out’,” the witness recalled.
“This other guy shows up to help. He’s kicking the door saying ‘get out’ and all of a sudden, she finally opens the door and all these kids start coming out.”
The eleven children were “very dirty” and appeared malnourished. One of them was not clothed while the others had improper clothing.
When police arrived and entered the home, they found piles of trash, clothes, rotten food, feces, and cigarette butts everywhere.
The kids were placed in the care of Children Protective Services after police determined they were living in “hoarder conditions” and were at risk of harm.
