Courtesy of Idaho Falls Fire Department
IDAHO FALLS – Firefighters helped evacuate about 40 people from a burning house on Christmas Eve.
The fire occurred just before 11 pm on block 700 on East 17th Street, according to a press release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department.
The fire was initially detected by an Idaho Falls police officer who was passing by the one-story home. He noticed fire coming from the roof and stopped to warn people inside that they were having a party. He helped evacuate several dozen people from inside the house and the garage.
Everyone left safely and there were no injuries to occupants or firefighters.
Courtesy of Idaho Falls Fire Department
The firemen arrived and determined that the fire came from the attic above the kitchen and had broken through the roof of the house. Firefighters managed to contain the fire in the kitchen area and in the garage. Most of the fire was extinguished at 11:10 pm.
Police closed 17th Street and diverted traffic for a short while while firefighters worked on the fire, according to the press release.
Due to single digit temperatures, one of the nearby hydrants was closed by freezing. Firefighters were able to access and use water from a second hydrant, although the hydrant broke down in the process. A significant amount of water was spilled all over the road.
Idaho Falls Department of Public Works personnel responded with a snow plow and sander to clean up the water left behind on 17th Street.
The damages are estimated at $ 30,000, according to the statement.
Help is available for individuals displaced by this fire. Contact the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho at (800) 733-2767. Click here for online assistance.