Echo Drive barn catches fire, draws crowd

BONNERS FERRY — Early Thursday morning North Bench Fire Department, along with Hall Mountain, and South Boundary volunteer Fire Departments came together to respond to a structure fire call.

The reported structure, a barn, owned by the B.F. Builders company, had supposedly caught fire at the electrical box, where Brad

Buerge, who was living in his R.V., was parked. There were no injuries to Buerge, however he did mention the loss of one cat, he believed was in the R.V. at the time of the fire.

The total 80 acres of land the structure sat on was split 60/40 and was right on the property line. BF.

Builders own the building and land, however, Harold Wedel was owner of the majority of the equipment stored in the building.

Wedel mentioned not only the loss of a home for Buerge, but also reported the loss of many antique farm machinery including; McCormick Farmall tractor, John Deere tractors, John Deere drill, and 30 tons of hay, boats, motorcycles, etc.

Not to mention all the other items stored at the barn site.

“It’s a shame, all that antique equipment gone, but everyone is safe.” said Harold Wedel

Upon arrival, the police department had begun to taken their leave in order let the fire department’s step in, and the boundary county utilities, to come and shut off the power to the building. Once the power was cut, the fire departments continued to do all they could to stop the spread of fire to the surrounding structures.

The fire drew a crowd of spectators, all of whom knew Burgey, and were saddened to see him go through such a loss. Everything he had, all that he owned is now gone. However, when asked, Brad Buerge said he has many friends in the community, and that he will be well taken care of.

“I have no doubt that I will be well-taken care of,” Buerge said,

“I have lived here off and on most of my life, the community has always been good to me.”

The Red cross has stepped in to help out Buerge.