UPDATE (July 7, 2020, 4:21 p.m.): Initial reports from the Terry Drive fire stated that there were two police officers who initially responded to the fire. In follow-up discussions with Idaho Falls Police Department, it was discovered that three officers arrived on scene first. Two officers kicked in the front door. One of those officers and the third officer assisted one adult male and one adult female out of the fire. The other officer went around to the side of the home, jumped a fence, and ran to the second story window to assist one adult female and one adult male out of the window after the two victims broke the window in an effort to escape the fire. Additional officers then responded after the initial three, all of which provided aid to all four individuals until EMS arrived. Two of the police officers were evaluated at EIRMC for smoke inhalation and minor injuries and were treated and released.

“Our thoughts and well wishes continue to be with all individuals involved in the fires over the past couple of days,” states Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon. “We would also like to recognize the neighbor as well as our brothers in blue at the Idaho Falls Police Department for their actions and quick response at the early morning fire on Terry Drive. If it weren’t for their efforts, the end result could have been much worse.”

Over the holiday weekend, the Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to at least five dumpster fires that resulted from improper disposal of spent fireworks. While the 4^th of July holiday is over, we would still like to remind community members about the proper way to dispose of fireworks while the topic is still fresh on their minds.

Place used fireworks in a metal garbage can full of water and then place the garbage can away from structures, brush, or flammable items. As there is a possibility that fireworks could reignite, even when people think the fireworks are out, we encourage people to let the used fireworks soak in water overnight. Do not place used fireworks next to unused fireworks.

Unfortunately we also responded to several house fires over the past week and would like to take the opportunity to provide home safety reminders as well:

• Always sleep with bedroom doors closed. By keeping doors closed, the oxygen supply is cut off and helps to contain the fire.
• If there is a fire outside of your bedroom door, do not open the door. Keep the door closed prior to opening a window to escape.
• If you cannot escape from the window, keep away from the door and low to the ground. Situate yourself up against a wall. When firefighters go into a home full of smoke and fire, they use the wall to orient themselves in a room and will find you much easier.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: *The following is a joint press release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department and Idaho Falls Police Department. 

Idaho Falls, ID:  At 5:40 a.m. on July 5, 2020, the Idaho Falls Fire Department and Idaho Falls Police Department were dispatched to a structure fire located on the 1000 block of Terry Drive in Idaho Falls. The call came into dispatch from one of the neighbors who stated that the garage door was on fire and that they were knocking on the door but nobody was answering.

Two IFPD officers arrived on scene at approximately 5:43 a.m. and reported that the two-story brick home was fully involved in flames and that they could hear screaming from inside the home. One of the officers made entry through the front door and was able to get one adult female and one adult male outside. The other officer went around the back of the home to assist one adult male and one adult female out of the second story bedroom window. Officers provided aid to the four occupants until EMS arrived.

Initially, two engines, two ambulances, the ladder truck and a battalion chief were dispatched. The fire was quickly upgraded to a 3-alarm fire and two more engines and three more ambulances were dispatched. Idaho Falls Power and Intermountain Gas were also dispatched to provide assistance with utilities.

The fire had extended from the garage, into the main floor, upstairs into the bedrooms, and into the attic, eaves and roof.

Firefighters made an aggressive attack on the fire from the garage and the front of the home while others searched the home for additional occupants. There were no other occupants inside the home; however, they did find a dog in a bedroom that was killed in the fire.

All four occupants of the home were transported by ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in critical condition. The two IFPD officers went to EIRMC for evaluation for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. Both officers were treated and released.

The cause of the fire and estimated damages are unknown at this time. IFFD’s Fire Prevention and Investigation team is investigating the cause of the fire.

IFFD and IFPD extends our sympathies and condolences to those involved in the fire and to their families and friends.

Media Contacts: 

Kerry Hammon, Public Information Officer, Idaho Falls Fire Department,(208) 612-8122, khammon@idahofallsidaho.gov 

Jessica Clements, Public Information Officer, Idaho Falls Police Department, (208) 612-8655, jclements@idahofallsidaho.gov