Blaze destroys Sagle area home
Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS firefighters knocked down the blaze in this home in about 30 minutes, but not before an estimated $300,000 in damage was sustained. The fire was caused by the tenant who was attempting to start a fire in the fireplace with diesel fuel. (Courtesy photo)
SAGLE — A home was destroyed Thursday after the tenant attempted to start a fire in the fireplace using diesel fuel.
Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS crews responded to the fire at 1:30 p.m. on Highway 95 north of Dufort Road.
When firefighters arrived, they found a large home with heavy fire showing on the east side of the structure. Firefighters made an aggressive attack and knocked down the fire within 30 minutes, according to Selkirk Fire Chief Ron Stocking.
The structure sustained major fire damage, estimated at an excess of $300,000. The tenant, who was home alone at the time, sustained a "very" minor injury and refused transport, Stocking said.
"Selkirk Fire definitely reminds people not to use an accelerant inside their house to start their fires in their stoves or fireplaces," Stocking said. "That is a dangerous practice, as this lady has found out."
In a message to the Daily Bee Thursday night, Ethan Schaffer said his family, which owns the house, has been working with the tenants, with support from the state, to thin the forests and create defensible space around the house.
"It’s good that people will be reminded not to use accelerants to start fires, but also important to create defensible space so this doesn’t turn into a forest fire. Thanks to the firefighters for containing the situation."
As it is National Fire Prevention Month, the public is invited to learn more about fire prevention and safety, as well as meet the firefighters who serve the community, during Selkirk's open house on Saturday.
During the open house, community members of all ages can take a ride on the fire engine, pick up some fire prevention and safety tips and meet the crew. There will be a quick-draw competition, where the children and adults get to spray water from the hose. In a "live search room," fake smoke and a thermal energy camera will be used to give children a feel for being in a smoke-filled structure — the fake smoke is produced by a smoke machine and is not hazardous. Junior firefighter gear will be available for the kids to try out as well.
Stocking said he will be cooking up hamburgers and hotdogs, and the event is free of cost. Free smoke detectors will be available as well.
The open house is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Fire Station 1, 1123 Lake St.
Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.