N. Idaho warming hut popular with snowmobilers burns down

Northern Idaho authorities say a popular warming hut has burned down under suspicious circumstances and information is being sought on a vehicle spotted in the area.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office says the Skitwish warming hut burned down sometime between Nov. 19 and Tuesday.

Officials say a red or maroon 1990s Ford Ranger or similar type pickup occupied by two individuals was seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed.

Police say the vehicle was also seen driving around a secured gate in the Wolf Lodge area.

The warming hut popular with snowmobilers is about 14 miles east of Coeur d’Alene. It also burned down in December 2012, but was rebuilt.

Authorities didn’t have an estimate for damages in the most recent fire.