Rexburg house fire under investigation as suspected arson; One resident hospitalized

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A Saturday evening house fire that sent one resident to the hospital is now being investigated as a potential arson, according to the Madison Fire Department. The investigation comes as firefighters urge residents to remain vigilant about fire-related activities as local resources are being stretched thin by an unusually demanding spring season.

The fire broke out around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9th, at a home along Rosewood Dr. in Rexburg, according to the Madison County Fire Department.

At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9th, the Madison County Fire Department responded to an early evening structure fire at a home at 164 Rosewood Dr., in Rexburg. As they arrived on the scene, the fire crews found smoke pouring from the eaves of the home and heavy smoke inside.

The department says its crews immediately made their way inside the home to begin an offensive fire attack and found fire in four separate locations, both upstairs and downstairs. Responding in force, the department called three engines to the scene, where a team of 16 battled the blaze as officers from the Rexburg Police Department assisted.

While no firefighters were injured, one resident was transported to Madison Memorial Hospital. Their current condition has not been disclosed. Officials estimate the fire caused roughly $400,000 in damage.

In the wake of the fire, Madison Fire Department Battalion Chief David Ivey is urging the public to be "especially mindful."

“This spring, Madison Fire Department has been especially busy, so we ask the public to be
especially mindful about fire-related activities, whether that’s controlled burns or recreational
fires,” said David Ivey, Battalion Chief of C Shift at Madison Fire Department.

The department stresses that fires of this magnitude require all on-duty personnel to respond; the department must then rely heavily on off-duty staff to cover additional emergency calls in the area. In light of the increased fire activity, the Madison Fire Department is actively seeking local community members to join its ranks.

"Madison Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that we are
always looking for local community members to become certified and join our fire department," stated the department in a news release.

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