Garage a total loss after fire in Idaho Falls

Several fire engines from the Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to a house fire on Shady Pine Drive in Idaho Falls late Sunday night.

The incident happened a little after 10 p.m. Battalion Chief Cody Anderson said the garage was fully engulfed when crews arrived, and said it took about 10 minutes to fully extinguish the fire.

No injuries were reported in the fire, and everyone living in the house got out safely. Firefighters even recovered a turtle in the house that survived the smoky environment.

Neighbors said they first heard a loud explosion that shook houses around the entire neighborhood. Several said they thought it was their own houses as it was so loud.

According to Anderson, the main house was saved, but the garage is a complete loss. The closest house to the burning garage did sustain damage to it’s siding, but firefighters say it’s only superficial and the house itself is fine. The property loss is estimated to be about $100,000.

20 firefighters responded to the fire including 4 engines, 3 ambulances, a battalion chief and a safety officer.

The Idaho Falls Fire Department says they’re still investigating the cause of the fire.