Fire destroys senior's home
(Photo courtesy SELKIRK FIRE, RESCUE AND EMS) The home of an 89-year-old woman was destroyed by a fire Tuesday, which reportedly started in the oven and traveled up to the attic.
(Photo courtesy SELKIRK FIRE, RESCUE AND EMS) Flames can be seen rising from the home of an 89-year-old woman Tuesday as firefighters arrive on the scene. The home was destroyed by a fire, which reportedly started in the oven and traveled up to the attic.
(Photo courtesy SELKIRK FIRE, RESCUE AND EMS)Firefighters battle the blaze at the home of an 89-year-old woman Tuesday afternoon. The home was destroyed by a fire, which reportedly started in the oven and traveled up to the attic.
SAGLE — The home of an 89-year-old woman was destroyed Tuesday after a fire reportedly started in the oven.
There was a bit of good news as firefighters were able to rescue the senior's beloved pet. The woman escaped the home, but after firefighters learned upon arrival that her dog was still inside, they braved the "full smoked out conditions" in the home to rescue the pup, said Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS Chief Ron Stocking
Stocking said 15 firefighters responded to the structure fire on East Dufort Road after the call came in around 4:15 p.m.
Stocking said the fire escaped the oven, went up through the cabinets and into the attic of the home. When firefighters arrived, the attic was fully engulfed in flames.
The estimated damage of the home and its contents, Stocking said, is in excess of $100,000.
Red Cross made housing arrangements for the woman and deputies from the Bonner County Sheriff's Office drove her to a hotel in Sandpoint Tuesday evening.
Stocking said it took about an hour to get the fire under control, but crews were still on scene into the evening to be sure any smoldering was out.
"Selkirk Fire reminds people to not please not leave food unattended when cooking or baking," Stocking said.