February
12, 2015
HAYDEN,
IDAHO:
A garage
fire that began in a Hayden residence destroyed a three-story home Wednesday
morning, rendering it a complete loss.
Northern
Lakes Fire Protection District, Coeur d'Alene Fire and Kootenai County Fire and
Rescue responded and were on scene for several hours. Northern Lakes Fire
Inspector Tyler Drechsel reported that one resident suffered first- and
second-degree burns on his hand and hurt an ankle, and a dog died in the fire.
Three of the nine residents were home when the fire began, but they all managed
to get out of the house with no other injuries. A neighbor called 911 to report
the fire, which began around 10 a.m.
"They
basically lost everything," Drechsel said. "It is a total loss. They
will not be able to move back in."
He said the
residents were able to exit the home in time because they could smell smoke,
but it was also a good thing they had working smoke detectors.
"At
this time, the fire appears to be accidental," he said. "We don't
believe it to be suspicious."
Drechsel
said he believes the rental agency that manages the property is in the process
of setting up some kind of assistance for the victims, whose names were not
released. He said firefighters were able to provide some financial support
through the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2856 Benevolence
Fund, but donations are always welcome to help aid victims in a time of crisis.
The cause
of the fire is under investigation.