Plano home a total loss after Thursday morning fire; occupant hospitalized and firefighter injured
UPDATE:
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A late-morning fire left a local home in ruins on Thursday, sending one resident to the hospital and leaving a firefighter with minor injuries. According to the Madison Fire Department, the home is a total loss with damages estimated to be $450,000.
The fire broke out around 11:38 a.m. at a home at 5779 W. 4500 N., in the Plano area northwest of Rexburg. Fire officials say a passerby first spotted the flames and acted quickly, calling in the emergency before helping the home’s sole occupant evacuate safely.
By the time the first responders arrived, the home was already fully engulfed in flames. As they had rushed to the scene, firefighters say the flames had already spread to a large propane tank near the house.
22 fire personnel battled the blaze, immediately launching a defensive attack to contain the flames and control the venting of the propane tank. Meanwhile, first responders rushed the occupant of the home to Madison Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The Madison Fire Department has confirmed that one firefighter received minor injuries during the effort.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is currently underway. MFD Battalion Chief Ellis Johnston stresses how rapidly the fire crews responded to the scene despite the distance from the blaze.
“This incident location was more than 11 miles from our staffed station,” said Johnston. “Initial responders arrived on scene 13 minutes after being dispatched. Despite how far away this structure fire was, we managed to mitigate potential fire hazards and spread.”
In the wake of the incident, the Madison Fire Department is reminding the community that they are "always looking for local community members to become certified and join our fire department, especially in the areas of the county farther away from our main fire station."
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ORIGINAL:
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Firefighters and emergency crews are currently on the scene of a structure fire near the intersection of 4500 N. and 5800 W.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), deputies have closed the roadway to ensure the safety of first responders as they work to extinguish the blaze. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to allow first responders to do their jobs safely.
At this time, there is no word on the cause of the fire or potential injuries. Local News 8 is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
