Torch may have sparked fatal fire

SANDPOINT - The suspected cause of a recreational vehicle fire that claimed the life of a 2-year-old girl on Tuesday is a blowtorch, according to sheriff's officials.

"It looks as if it was started by a torch, which was known to be in the trailer or have been used before," Bonner County Undersheriff David Hale said on Thursday.

Genevieve Winn was alone in the RV when the fire broke out. Witnesses told sheriff's investigators that they attempted to douse the fire and rescue Winn, but those efforts were not successful.

The fire was reported shortly after 8 p.m. at 4038 Hoodoo Loop Road.

The fire was initially suspected to be caused by power cords running to the RV, but Hale said the torch is now believed to be the fire's cause. The device was so badly damaged that it was unclear if it was a propane- or butane-fueled torch.

"It was reduced to something that basically would allow it to be either kind," Hale said.

The child's stepfather, Frederick Michael Ferree, was on the property at the time of the fire. The child's mother, Jenne Brouilette, was reportedly working in Coeur d'Alene at the time.

Hale said investigators are still working to piece together a chronology of events leading to the fire.

The results of the child's autopsy are expected in the next couple of days. A decision on whether criminal charges will be sought is pending.