Post Falls church, school fire deemed accidental

The fire that damaged the River Church and Little Explorers preschool in Post Falls was accidental, according to the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fire crews responded to the scene in the early hours of March 15 and found flames rising from the structure. Upon arrival, they requested a second alarm. 

The church’s second-story roof collapsed, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Pete Holley told The Press, and there was extensive damage to one end of the building. There was also smoke damage. Part of the building was saved. 

The Little Explorers Learning Academy is part of The River Church campus in the 1600 block of East Horsehaven Avenue.   

Initial reports from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue noted three separate burning areas inside the structure, which raised concern for possible criminal activity, according to the Idaho Department of Insurance. Additional resources were requested, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives, an accelerant-detection K-9 team from Spokane County Fire District 4 and the Post Falls Police Department. 

The investigation focused on the three burn areas. Though investigators found no evidence of accelerants, each burn location involved a natural gas-fueled appliance. 

Examination showed “significant fire damage” in and around appliance control valves and pilot lights. This led investigators to examine the building’s exterior natural gas regulator and meter, which had deteriorated over time due to weather and other factors. 

"This deterioration caused the regulator to fail in the open position, resulting in over‑pressurization of the building’s gas system and connected appliances," a press release said.