From the Archives - Aug. 29, 2024

15 Years Ago ~ August 27, 2009 ~ From the Bonners Ferry Herald: “The North Bench volunteer firefighters were already in the area at the time of the fire, having gathered for training at the fire station located across the highway. A few minutes after arriving, firefighters saw smoke and then flames spewing from the top of the main building. A call was made for mutual aid – Bonners Ferry, Curley Creek, and Hall Mountain fire departments responded. North Bench taking the lead."

The Herald reported that the building contained "flammable materials, setting off small explosions, which caused the building to quickly be fully engulfed; 8,000 gallons of water from 4 engines wasn’t quite enough to save the building."

It also stated that the company president and part-owner Ted Byler was "already making plans to rebuild the Three Mile-based manufacturing plant" after the fire. Within 10 days, Trusstek was rebuilt and back to 20% production.

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho sponsors this column.   

Visit the museum, Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., or visit the website at boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached via email at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or by phone at 208-267-7720.