Christmas Eve fire causes major damage to local home
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IDAHO FALLS — Firefighters helped evacuate some 40 people from a burning home on Christmas Eve.
The fire occurred just before 11 p.m. on the 700 block of East 17th Street, according to an Idaho Falls Fire Department news release.
The fire was initially spotted by an Idaho Falls Police officer who was driving by the single-story home. He noticed fire coming from the roof, and stopped to warn the people inside who were having a party. He helped evacuate several dozen people from inside the home and the garage.
Everyone got out safely and there were no injuries to the occupants or to firefighters.
Firefighters arrived and determined the fire was coming from the attic above the kitchen and had breached the roof of the home. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the kitchen-area and garage. Most of the fire was extinguished by 11:10 p.m.
Police closed 17th Street and diverted traffic for a short time while firefighters worked on the blaze, according to the news release.
Due to single digit temperatures, one of the nearby fire hydrants was frozen shut. Firefighters were able to access and use water from a second hydrant, although the hydrant broke in the process. A significant amount of water spilled all over the road.
Personnel from the Idaho Falls Public Works Department responded with a snowplow and a sander to clean up the water left behind on 17th Street.
Damages are estimated at $30,000, according to the release.
There is help available for individuals who have been displaced by this fire. Please reach out to the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho at (800) 733-2767. Click here for online assistance.