Selkirk: Fire started in building

SAGLE — A Monday fire that destroyed two homes and a pair of outbuildings appears to have started in one of the buildings.

The investigation, initially handled by the Idaho Department of Lands, determined the fire originated in one of the structures and spread to the wildland. After the initial investigation, Selkirk Fire became the lead agency. 

As of Tuesday, the cause of the structure fire remains under investigation.

“The Schneider Fire highlights the great working relationship between Idaho Department of Lands and Selkirk Fire," Selkirk Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong said. "Wildland fire is a real threat in our districts. Protection of lives and property on these fires is where our missions converge.”

The fire was reported at about 1:11 p.m. in the 100 block of Schneiders Road. While en route, updates made it clear additional resources were needed, including assistance from the Idaho Department of Lands, Selkirk Fire officials said Tuesday.

When the first fire engine arrived on scene, crews found heavy fire, with several buildings involved and the fire spreading into the surrounding vegetation. 

"While the fire was not moving quickly, the high heat and potential for spotting was a concern, as well as the threat to approximately seven surrounding homes," Anderson said.

That led the district to place the Schneiders Road area under "Ready" status under the Ready-Set-Go evacuation protocol Monday afternoon before it was lifted a few hours later at 6:40 p.m. 

Under the "Ready" status, residents are advised to have a plan to evacuate if necessary. Under the "Set" status, residents are advised to begin putting their plan into place. Under "Go" status, residents are told to leave immediately due to an imminent threat.

With both residential fires and wildland fire, Selkirk Fire officials said a unified command was established to fight the fire.

"This allows the agencies to work seamlessly, with the same objectives, while still addressing their own missions," Anderson said. "Within a few hours, the fire was contained and the evacuation notice lifted."

According to information on the Idaho Department of Lands website, the fire burned about 3.5 acres in total in heavy brush and timber. The fire was contained by Monday evening, according to the data.

While erratic winds initially hampered firefighting efforts, Selkirk Fire crews gained the assistance of air tankers, which were able to make retardant drops on the fire, helping limit its growth.

The wildland fire was turned over to the Idaho Department of Lands just after 7 p.m. as the primary agency as firefighters continued working on containment of the vegetation fire.

Assisting at the scene were the Idaho Department of Lands, Bonner County Emergency Management, Northside and Timberlake fire districts, Bonner County Dispatch, Bonner County Sheriff, and Bonner County EMS.

For more information on wildfire safety, go online to idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/prevent-and-prepare; and for information on evacuations in the county, go online to bonnercountyid.gov/departments/EmergencyManagement.