There were no injuries following this morning’s house fire on 11th Street in Idaho Falls, however three individuals were temporarily displaced from their homes.
The 9-1-1 call came into the Idaho Falls Bonneville County Dispatch Center just after 4:30 a.m. this morning, Jan. 7 when the resident was awakened by a smell of smoke coming from the basement. There were three adults – one male and two females – inside the home at the time of the fire. Reportedly, two occupants were still inside the home when first responders were in route, however all occupants were able to evacuate safely without injury. There were no injuries to first responders.
Firefighters arrived to the single-story home with a basement located at the 200 block of 11th Street 6 minutes after the 9-1-1 call. Heavy smoke but no fire was seen coming from the home on arrival. There were no smoke detectors going off when firefighters arrived.
Idaho Falls Power and Intermountain Gas were dispatched to secure utilities. The Idaho Falls Police Department assisted with evacuating residents from nearby homes and with blocking off a portion of 11th Street. Volunteers from the Chaplains of Idaho were requested to provide the displaced occupants with a temporary place to stay and any immediate needs.
Firefighters reported having most of the fire extinguished by approximately 4:53 a.m. Most of the fire was contained to one room in the basement, but there was heavy smoke damage throughout the home. Damages are estimated at approximately $50,000 which includes the structure and content.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by IFFD’s Fire Prevention and Investigation Division.
“At least 20 people have been temporarily displaced from their homes in the last three months due to house fires in our area,” says IFFD Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon. “We’re very grateful to our community’s chaplains who have really stepped up to the plate and helped those individuals with various needs,” adds Hammon.
IFFD’s Fire Inspector, Jim Newton explains, “The causes of the fires over the past few months have all varied in nature. We’re reminding people to make sure they have working smoke detectors and that they are being very vigilant with the most common culprits of fires in the winter including space heaters, chimneys, unattended candles, and overloaded electrical outlets.”
Media Note: There are no photos available.
Media Contact: Kerry Hammon, Public Information Officer, (208) 612-8122, khammon@idahofalls.gov