Deputy, family lose home in Blanchard Fire

Fundraising efforts are underway after a Kootenai County Sheriff’s deputy and his family lost their home in the Hunter 2 Fire near Blanchard.

The Labor Day fire bloomed into 700 acres after high winds forced evacuations in and around southwestern Bonner County. The KCSO deputy’s home was the lone house destroyed in the blaze.

Since then, while the deputy and his family have found shelter in a hotel while they secure a rental property, local organizations and businesses have stepped forward to support the family.

“We’ve had such great, tremendous support from people wanting to donate,” said Melissa Stroh of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials’ Idaho Chapter. “It’s amazing to have the outpouring of support for law enforcement, especially right now in this climate.”

The deputy and his wife have a young daughter, and his wife is pregnant with their second child.

The North Idaho Peace Officer Chaplain Association has set up an online donation portal through its Facebook account. New York Pizza in Post Falls is donating 20 percent of its Thursday proceeds to help the deputy and his family. A donation station has been set up at Anchored Coffee Company on Dalton Avenue in Coeur d’Alene, next to Skate Plaza.

“The support has been amazing,” said Seantel Barr, manager of Anchored. “We have had so many people stop by to give."

Stroh said monetary donations and gift cards are preferable to items, as the family has limited space available.

Hyle said the first responder isn’t releasing his name.

“He’s been overwhelmed by what’s happened, but also by all the support," she said. "He told me that he just doesn’t know how to thank everybody.”