Fire destroys Elmira shop building

ELMIRA — A shop in northern Bonner County was destroyed by a Wednesday afternoon fire that resulted in minor injuries to a Northside firefighter.

Northside crews mobilized to the area at about 3:45 p.m. after Bonner Dispatch received reports that a shop/apartment building on Cedar Springs Road was engulfed in flames. When crews arrived, Northside Fire public information officer Brandon Vaccaro said heavy snowfall and ice buildup, combined with steep access to the site, created challenging conditions.

“The first arriving fire engine was not able to reach the fire directly, so crews immediately stretched supply hose from the engine to the fire,” Vaccaro said. “This allowed firefighters to connect smaller hose lines and begin their fire attack.”

When crews arrived at the scene, the 40-foot by 60-foot structure was fully involved in fire, and there were “multiple exposures around the building” where fire could spread. Since the shop was unoccupied, Vaccaro said firefighters focused their initial efforts on preventing the fire’s spread, then moved into the building to extinguish the blaze.

The fire department's public information office said firefighters performed an extensive overhaul to ensure the blaze was completely out.

In total, crews deployed 1,300 feet of 3‑inch supply hose to fight the fire and supply the engines with water. Adding to the challenges, weather before and during the fire created additional difficulties beyond normal water-supply and access issues, Vaccaro added.

The building was a total loss.

While fighting the fire, Vaccaro said a Northside firefighter suffered minor injuries, but those injuries were not specified due to privacy concerns. The individual was treated at the scene by Bonner County EMS crews and transported to a local hospital.

“Thankfully, the firefighter was released home later in the evening and is expected to make a full recovery,” Vaccaro said.

No civilians were injured, and crews wrapped up firefighting efforts at about 9:30 p.m.

Selkirk Fire and Sandpoint Fire dispatched as automatic aid. A water tender was requested from the South Boundary Fire Protection District under mutual aid. Sam Owen Fire and Timberlake Fire were requested for station coverage.

“We would like to express our gratitude to BCEMS for taking great care of our firefighter, along with Timberlake Fire and Sam Owen Fire for protecting our communities while our units were committed,” Vaccaro said.