Gooby Rd. fire remains under investigation

SANDPOINT - Northside Fire officials are still working to pinpoint the cause of a blaze that wiped out a family's home on Gooby Road a week ago.

“We've just got a little information on what possibly could have happened. We're not quite sure exactly what went on,” Northside Fire Chief Brad Mitton said.

Mitton said two potential causes are being considered. Mitton declined to elaborate until he's gathered more information, but said arson is not suspected.

Firefighters from Northside and Sandpoint converged on the home at 1004 Gooby Rd. on Saturday just before midnight. The home's occupants, Cornelius and Holly Geery, in addition to their 9-year-old son, escaped without injury.

The home, however, was a complete loss.

“It was fully involved when we got there,” said Mitton. “It took us a while to get it out. It was a fairly good-sized home.”

Mitton said it's believed the family had some insurance, but he had no further information. An account has been established at Bank of America in Sandpoint to help the family recover from their loss.

“They could use some help, that's for sure,” said neighbor Rod Crawford.