Couple loses house in fire, community comes to support

BONNERS FERRY — A local couple was left homeless after a fire destroyed their Yakima Street home when a propane tank valve exploded due to the high temperatures.

Located at the top of the north rim on the North Hill, the fire originated outside the home around 1 p.m. On Aug. 4, when the valve of the propane tank exploded due to the 94-degree temperature that afternoon. A vehicle quickly caught fire and the fire then advanced toward the house.

Fire crew members said once the vehicle caught fire, its magnesium engine ignited and added extra fuel to the fire.

Neighbors said they waited nearly 20 minutes before fire crews arrived, with Bonners Ferry, North Bench, Paradise Valley and South Boundary fire departments and districts responding. Boundary Ambulance was also on scene.

Gerald Higgs, a neighbor just a block over from the fire, told the Herald he heard two explosions coming from the property about three minutes apart. This is assumed to be the propane tank and vehicle exploding, officials said.

Trees and grass surrounding the house were scorched, but the fire did not advance up the hill. Neighbors were concerned the flames would travel uphill to Chokecherry Road through standing timber.

At 4:10 p.m. the fire was smoldering and BFFP crew members continued to smother the cooling coals in the home.

Hope House of Boundary County and the VFW are hosting a community dinner to fundraise for the couple at the Senior Center, Friday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. All proceeds will go to the couple.

For fire safe tips for your home and property, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.