Extensive damage to Inkom Fire Chief’s home Saturday
INKOM, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 12/19/22: Four engines and firefighters from the Inkom and McCammon Volunteer Fire Departments responded to a residence fire at 12:00 p.m. Saturday on Rapid Creek Road in Inkom.
The home involved in the fire was the residence of Inkom Fire Chief Johnny Ketner and his family.
The back of the residence was fully engulfed when the first engine from Inkom arrived, and fire had already spread into the attic space. The Ketner family was out of town, and no one was in the
home when the fire was reported.
Firefighters were able to knock down the active fire in about 30 minutes and remained on scene until approximately 530 p.m. The initial investigation indicates the fire originated from a power strip used for heat lamps and a heated water bowl for a chicken coop and a family dog located behind the home. The chicken coop was not damaged, and the dog was not injured in the fire. The structure and contents suffered major damage in the fire.
In the aftermath of the blaze, the Inkom community has graciously demonstrated its support and generosity to the Ketner family. Donations have included temporary housing, clothing, food and a Christmas tree and presents that were lost in the fire. Members of the Jackson Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have spearheaded the effort to cover the family’s immediate needs. In addition, the American Red Cross has also provided immediate, short-term assistance to the Ketners. The Ketner family would like to express their gratitude for the tremendous love and support they have received in the last 24 hours.
The City of Inkom and Inkom Volunteer Fire Department have established an account at Ireland Bank for monetary donations. Donations can be made at any Ireland Bank location and must reference the “Ketner Family Fundraiser.” If a local Ireland Bank location is not available, the donation can be mailed to Ireland Bank, 110 Highway 30 East, Inkom, ID 83245.
ORIGINAL: Four engines and firefighters from the Inkom and McCammon Volunteer Fire Departments responded to a residence fire at 12:00 p.m. Saturday on Rapid Creek Road in Inkom.
The back of the residence was fully engaged when the first engine from Inkom arrived and fire had already spread into the attic space. The residents of the home were out of town and no one was in the home when the fire was reported.
Firefighters were able to knock down the active fire in about 30 minutes and remained on scene until approximately 5:30 p.m.
The initial investigation indicates that the fire originated from a power strip used for heat lamps and a heated water bowl for a chicken coop and a family dog located behind the home.
