Local Boy Scouts, leaders evacuated from cave following fire
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The following is a news release from the city of Idaho Falls. Stock image.
IDAHO FALLS — On Feb. 24, at approximately 2:40 a.m., the Idaho Falls Fire Department was dispatched to 16000 W. Arco Hwy for a report of smoke from a campfire inside the 17 Mile Cave and persons trying to evacuate the cave.
Upon the first engine’s arrival, Boy Scouts and leaders were evacuating the cave. Three additional ambulances were requested. An additional engine, a battalion chief and the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene.
Crews entered the cave and began a search. Additional ambulances and engines arrived on scene to triage people and search the cave.
A total of 13 Boy Scouts and 5 leaders were evacuated. Four additional people were in the cave, two of which reportedly fled the scene.
Some individuals suffered minor smoke inhalation, but no civilians or firefighters were injured. There were no ambulance transports to the hospital.
A total of four ambulances and two engine crews responded from the Idaho Falls Fire Department, as well as a battalion chief. Following triage, two of the ambulances returned to service shortly after arrival.