Retired priest hurt in house fire

RATHDRUM - A retired priest with a household name in the Rathdrum area was injured when a fire destroyed his home on Wednesday afternoon.

Rev. Michael Scarcello was in serious condition at Kootenai Medical Center on Wednesday night.

Scarcello was outside the home at 3427 Scarcello Road when firefighters arrived, but later transported to Kootenai Medical Center, said Jim Lyon, Northern Lakes Fire District spokesman.

Lyon declined to name the homeowner due to him being transported, but county records indicate Scarcello is the homeowner.

Lyon also declined to comment on the nature of Scarcello's injuries.

"He was in the home, and according to what he stated, an ember popped out of the wood stove onto a recliner chair," Lyon said.

Lyon said Scarcello indicated he tried to put the fire out himself. He was the only occupant.

Northern Lakes responded to the fire at 12:35 p.m. after a reporting party, likely either a neighbor or passerby, said the older home was engulfed in flames.

"Due to the extent of the fire upon arrival, crews went into a defensive mode to protect several structures near to the home including wood shed, storage shed and barn," a press release states.

The house, approximately 1,000 square feet, was a total loss. An estimated amount of damage was not given. It is unknown whether Scarcello has insurance.

Some closer structures had fire damage, but the barn was spared.

According to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise Website, Scarcello was ordained on May 10, 1956. Among his assignments, he was the administrator of St. Stanislaus Parish in Rathdrum.

The Spirit Lake, Hauser and Timberlake fire departments assisted Northern Lakes.