LACLEDE, Idaho — A house fire erupted into a 7-acre wildfire in Bonner County, destroying a family’s property and causing evacuation orders near Laclede, southwest of Sandpoint.
The fire broke out on a private drive and spread quickly across the landscape. Evacuation orders were lifted after two hours around 6:30 p.m. once firefighters got the upper hand.
“Hundreds of volunteers look like they went up the hill, so I’m just glad they got it out as quick as they did,” said Brittney Strenke, who lives near the fire.
Diesel and propane tanks exploded during the fire, adding to the danger. 47 firefighters from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, responded to fight the wildfire.
Crews secured the fire line and completed a progressive hose lay around the perimeter. A hose lay is a system of hoses put in place that firefighters can quickly access if there is a flare-up.
Strenke and her two daughters were in the evacuation zone as the fire spread. Her daughter Lilly Mitchell saw the fire unfold.
“It was just massive. And I have never seen a fire that huge,” Mitchell said.
The Idaho Department of Lands says crews are mopping up hot spots. Firefighters have hoses around the fire’s perimeter to prevent flare-ups as the area faces hot temperatures and gusty winds.
“It was sad to see, honestly. To see our neighbors in distress like that,” Strenke said. “It’s a tight community for sure, and they’re a big part of the community.”
The fire highlights concerns about the upcoming fire season. Strenke noted the dry conditions.
“I think everyone’s seen that. We didn’t get the snow like we normally do, so it’s a big impact,” she said.
The 47 firefighters will be on the fireline again tomorrow.
The cause of the house fire remains under investigation.
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