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Fire destroys Post Falls barn

by Brian Walker; Staff Writer
| December 18, 2018 12:00 AM

POST FALLS — A fire started by an accidental gas spill destroyed a pole barn and its contents Friday.

The blaze also damaged the outside of a Post Falls home.

An old truck, small tractors and several farm and home items were destroyed in the fire at 2695 Rawhide Ridge Road.

"The fumes from the spill ignited, causing a large fire in the pole barn that spread to the exterior of the home due to wind," said Steven Isaacson, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue division chief.

There were no injuries.

Isaacson said the spill occurred when fuel was being transferred from a vehicle to a container. He said a fire started "within seconds" of the spill.

"Gas fumes start fires and that is the rationale for covered gas storage cans," Isaacson said, adding that the fire start is not rare.

The homeowner called 911.

"He attempted to get a garden hose, but the fire spread too quickly to stop it," Isaacson said.

The damage estimate hadn't been determined as of Monday, Isaacson said.

Fire crews did a good job of limiting damage to the home, Isaacson said.

He said the fire is a reminder to residents about the power of gas fumes.

"Fumes in the air find ignition sources and can combust into flames," he said. "Use caution with gas in confined spaces."

Crews from Northern Lakes Fire District and Hauser Fire assisted KCFR.